Pakistan Army Mi-17 Helicopter Crashes Near Muzaffarabad, No Survivors Reported

Pakistan's military suffered a major aviation tragedy on Wednesday after a Mi-17 helicopter belonging to the army's aviation wing crashed near Muzaffarabad during take-off. According to the military, the helicopter went down following a suspected technical malfunction, leaving no survivors among those on board.

Army Confirms No Survivors In Crash

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan's military, confirmed that everyone aboard the helicopter lost their lives in the accident.

"All personnel on board embraced martyrdom. There were no survivors," the ISPR said in a statement, according to a Dawn report.

Following the crash, rescue and recovery teams were immediately dispatched to the site to carry out operations and secure the area.

Inquiry Ordered To Determine Cause

The military has launched an investigation into the accident to determine what led to the crash. While preliminary information points to a technical fault, officials have not yet disclosed the exact reason behind the incident.

The ISPR statement further read that it has ordered a board of inquiry to ascertain the exact technical cause of the accident, said the report.

Authorities have also not revealed the number of personnel who were on board at the time of the crash, leaving the exact death toll unclear.

Army Chief Expresses Grief Over Loss

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, along with military personnel across ranks, expressed sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of those killed.

Chief of the Army Staff Asim Munir and all ranks of the army "express deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families", the ISPR statement said.

Series Of Military Helicopter Accidents In Pakistan

The latest crash adds to a string of helicopter accidents reported in Pakistan over the past year.

In September 2025, an army helicopter on a routine mission crashed in northern Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of two pilots and three technicians, according to the Associated Press.

Earlier, in August 2025, a helicopter operated by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government crashed in Mohmand district due to adverse weather conditions. The accident claimed the lives of two pilots and three crew members, news agency PTI reported.

Officials are expected to release further details as the investigation into Wednesday's crash progresses.