Six killed in Pakistan military helicopter crash during flood relief mission

Asia-Pacific, News August 2, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

A Pakistani army helicopter flying in a rescue and relief mission in the country’s flood-hit southwest province of Balochistan crashed on a mountain with six on board.

“The wreckage of the unfortunate helicopter which was on flood relief ops found in Musa Goth, Windar, Lasbela [in Balochistan]. All 6 offers and sldrs including Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali embraced martyrdom” the military said. The accident occurred due to bad weather based on the initial investigations, the official statement said.

The helicopter carried a top general and five others. The six-member crew included Commander 12 Corps Lieutenant General Sarfaraz Ali, director general of the Pakistan Coast Guard, Major General Amjad Hanif Satti, Brigadier Muhammad Khalid, pilot Major Saeed and co-pilot Major Talha Manan.

The crashed helicopter was reported to be Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil (now Airbus Helicopters H125).

The wreckage of unfortunate hel which was on flood relief ops found in Musa Goth, Windar, Lasbela. All 6 offrs & sldrs incl Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali embraced shahadat. اِنّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Accident occurred due to bad weather as per initial investigations . DTF pic.twitter.com/dnyano2vqC
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 2, 2022

In a statement issued late on Monday, the military said that the army aviation helicopter had lost contact with a regional control tower and went missing while monitoring flood relief operations in Lasbela, Balochistan. The wreckage was found after the nightlong search operation that began on Monday (August 1).

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi and former Premier Imran Khan expressed deep sympathy over the deaths.

Pakistan has mobilized its armed forces personnel and assets to assist in civilian relief operations in the province. Troops have been evacuating thousands of marooned people and delivering food items to flood-victims families.

Pakistan has been hit hard by floods after unusual monsoon rains.At least 478 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 houses destroyed or damaged across the country since mid-June. Balochistan has been hit hardest with at least 136 deaths reported, according to the national disaster management agency.