MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): A Mi-17 helicopter of Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad on Wednesday during take-off due to a technical fault, the military’s media wing said.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, all personnel on board embraced martyrdom, and rescue and recovery teams immediately reached the crash site.
A board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact technical cause of the accident, the statement said.
“Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CFD) Field Marshal Asim Munir and all ranks of the Pakistan Army express deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have expressed profound sorrow and grief over the tragic crash of the Pakistan Army helicopter, the state-run PTV News reported.
“While paying tribute to all the personnel martyred in the accident, the PM said that the entire nation salutes the sacrifices of its brave sons.” The premier prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and patience for their families.
The President also extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the personnel martyred in the Muzaffarabad incident.
The nation pays tribute to the great sacrifice of the martyrs and shares equally in the grief of their families, he was quoted as saying. He prayed that Allah Almighty may elevate the ranks of the martyrs and grant patience to the bereaved families.
