ISLAMABAD — A Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday due to a technical fault during takeoff, killing all military personnel on board, the military said.
The Inter-Services Public Relations, the military's media wing, confirmed the incident in a statement. The helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff in a mountainous area near the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to officials.
No exact number of those killed has been officially released. Rescue teams were dispatched immediately to the site, where smoke was visible from the wreckage, local reports indicated. A board of inquiry has been ordered to determine the precise cause of the technical fault.
The crash occurred amid heightened tensions and protests in the region over issues including electricity tariffs and governance. Security presence in Muzaffarabad was reported as heavy in recent days.
Pakistan's military has a history of helicopter operations in the rugged terrain of the area for transport and other missions. A similar incident in September involved another army helicopter crash in northern Pakistan that killed five personnel.
Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior leaders expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the military said. Details on the identities of those aboard and the helicopter's specific mission remain unclear.
"The Mi-17 helicopter of Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad today during take-off due to technical fault," the ISPR statement said. "All personnel on board embraced martyrdom."
No claims of external involvement have been reported, and officials attributed the crash solely to mechanical issues. Investigations into such incidents typically examine maintenance records, weather conditions and operational factors.
The incident comes as Pakistan continues operations in its border regions and administered territories. Local authorities coordinated with military teams for recovery efforts at the crash site.
As of June 11, 2026, recovery operations at the site continue and the formal inquiry is underway. Further details on the findings and any updates regarding the victims are expected in the coming days.
