A rescue mission in monsoon-hit northern Pakistan ended in tragedy when a provincial government helicopter crashed in bad weather, killing all five crew members on board.
A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rescue Mi-17 helicopter crashed in Sokai near Chengai Banda, resulting in the loss of three lives.
A Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government helicopter delivering flood relief supplies crashed in a tribal district, killing all five crew members, provincial officials said.
The MI-17 aircraft went down in Mohmand district while en route to the flood-hit Salarzai area of Bajaur district, after losing contact in bad weather, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur told reporters. The dead included two pilots.
Search teams later located the wreckage in Pandiali tehsil of Mohmand, CM Gandapur said, confirming there were no survivors.
The provincial government declared a day of mourning, with flags to be flown at half-mast, and said the crew would be buried with full state honours.
“These individuals lost their lives while helping others during this crisis,” the chief minister said. “Their sacrifice will be remembered.”
The crash occurred as K-P reels from heavy monsoon rains that have triggered severe flooding in Swat, Buner and Bajaur districts, killing dozens and displacing thousands.
A second provincial helicopter remains deployed in rescue operations in Buner.
Weatherman has predicted more rainfall in the coming days, which could worsen the flooding and hamper relief work.
