A major accident took place in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region on Monday (September 1), when an army Mi-17 helicopter crashed in Chilas, Diamer district, killing five people on board.
According to AFP, the victims included two pilots and three technicians. The cause of the crash is not yet known. Witnesses reported that soon after the crash, the helicopter caught fire and thick smoke rose into the sky.
Crash During Test Landing
Reports suggest that the Mi-17 helicopter was attempting a test landing on a new helipad when it suddenly crashed. Local police and rescue teams quickly reached the spot, and an investigation into the cause is underway. However, the Pakistan Army has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
Previous Helicopter Accidents in Pakistan
This is not the first helicopter tragedy in Pakistan:
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August 15, 2025 (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa): An Mi-17 helicopter, carrying relief supplies to flood-affected Mohmand district, crashed due to bad weather, killing five people, including two pilots.
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September 28, 2024 (North Waziristan): A chartered helicopter carrying oil company staff crashed after an engine failure.
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September 25, 2022 (Balochistan): Six soldiers of the Pakistan Army died when their helicopter went down.
These repeated incidents highlight the safety concerns around military and chartered flights in the region.
The latest Gilgit-Baltistan helicopter crash once again raises questions about aviation safety in Pakistan, where several tragic accidents in recent years have claimed many lives. Investigations are ongoing, and more details are awaited from the authorities.
also read – Pakistan Battles Most Severe Floods in History: 20 Lakh People Affected, Three Rivers Overflow
