Emergency response operations are currently underway, with the Pakistan Army and other agencies involved in rescue efforts.
Six passengers killed, eight severely wounded in North Waziristan helicopter crash. A chartered MI-8 helicopter operated by Mari Petroleum has crashed in North Waziristan, leading to a tragic loss of life and several injuries.
According to a statement released by Mari Petroleum, the helicopter was carrying 14 passengers, including three Russian pilots, when it went down near an oil field during its flight. Initial reports indicate that six individuals have been killed, while eight others are in critical condition.
The spokesperson for Mari Petroleum clarified that the helicopter was providing personal transportation in the Shawa Waziristan block and that the crash was due to technical issues. They emphasized that the incident is not related to the security situation or terrorism in the area.
Emergency response operations are currently underway, with the Pakistan Army and other agencies involved in rescue efforts. The injured have been transferred to CMH Thal, from where they are being airlifted for further medical treatment.
Sources indicate that the helicopter experienced a technical fault shortly after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing attempt. During this maneuver, the tail rotor collided with the ground. Investigations into the crash are ongoing, as authorities seek to determine the exact cause of the incident.
As per the media reports, three foreign pilots are from Russia and that the wounded have been shifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Thal.
The accident, the sources added, occurred after the copter suffered technical difficulty as soon as it took off and met the fatal accident after its tail rotor hit the ground during an emergency landing.
Meanwhile, an investigation has been initiated into the unfortunate incident.
Helicopter crashes are not uncommon in Pakistan. In September last year, two Pakistan Navy officers and a solider were martyred after their copter crashed in Balochistan’s Gwadar.
The Pakistan Navy spokesperson revealed that the mishap happened due to a technical issue during training.
“As a result of the crash, two officers and one sailor of the Pakistan Navy embraced martyrdom,” the spokesperson said, adding that the Pakistan Navy had initiated an investigation into the incident.
