A Pakistani military helicopter crashed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday, leaving no survivors among those on board, according to the Pakistani military.
The aircraft involved was identified as a Mi-17 helicopter operated by the Pakistan Air Force. Military officials stated that the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff near Muzaffarabad due to a technical malfunction.
“A Pakistan Air Force Mi-17 helicopter crashed during takeoff near Muzaffarabad today due to a technical fault,” the military said in an official statement.
Authorities confirmed that there were no survivors, although they did not disclose the number of personnel aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. The Mi-17 is a Soviet-designed transport helicopter and a variant of the Russian Mi-8, capable of carrying approximately 30 people.
According to eyewitness accounts, the helicopter lost control during takeoff and was immediately engulfed in flames after impact. Emergency responders and firefighting teams were deployed to the scene to contain the fire and assist with recovery operations.
Videos and images circulating on social media appear to show the aftermath of the crash, with thick smoke and flames visible near the crash site. The authenticity of all footage has not yet been independently verified.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident, while military authorities continue efforts to identify the victims and assess the circumstances surrounding the crash.
