Pakistan's monsoon fury: 5 dead after rescue helicopter crashed; day of mourning announced
An MI-17 helicopter of the provincial government, carrying relief goods for rain-affected areas of Bajaur, crashed in the Pandiyali area of Mohmand district due to bad weather, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur said in a statement.
"Five crew members, including two pilots, were killed," AFP cited the minister
The helicopter had taken off from Peshawar bound for Bajaur but lost contact over Mohmand tribal district, according to initial reports.
Chief secretary of the province, Shahab Ali Shah, told PTI that poor weather conditions led to the crash, though authorities said it remains to be determined whether any other factors were involved.
The aircraft went down in Changi Banda, where two pilots and three others involved in rescue operations were confirmed dead. Rescue teams have been dispatched to the site, and the deceased will be laid to rest with full state honours.
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The crash comes as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reels from days of torrential rain that has triggered flash floods and landslides, mainly in Bajaur and Buner districts. More than 100 people have been killed, with many others injured or missing.
Expressing deep sorrow, Gandapur announced a day of mourning across the province on Saturday. 'We share the grief of the bereaved families,' he said.
'The helicopter crew sacrificed their lives to save others — they are our true heroes, and their sacrifice will be remembered in golden words in history.'
The provincial government's second helicopter remains engaged in rescue operations in Buner district.
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