A helicopter crashed near the Chilas-Thor area in district Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan, following a technical malfunction, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the aircraft was carrying two pilots and three technical staff members. All five members on board have been confirmed dead. The helicopter is confirmed to belong to the Pakistan Army.
The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan expressed sorrow over the incident and directed authorities to reach the crash site immediately.
The district administration, local authorities, Commander FCNA, DG Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and Commissioner Diamer have arrived at the scene, along with a large number of residents, said Faraq.
Efforts to extinguish the fire and secure the site are currently underway, while further details about casualties or damage are yet to be confirmed.
Emergency measures have been implemented at Chilas Hospital on the instructions of the Chief Minister. The government has directed all doctors and medical staff to ensure their presence at the hospital.
The incident has raised serious concerns about aviation safety in the mountainous region, where challenging terrain and technical faults pose recurring risks.
