5 Killed in MI-17 Helicopter Crash During Relief Operation

Islamabad 15 August: A government-operated MI-17 helicopter of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa crashed today while transporting relief supplies to Salarzai in Bajaur district, resulting in the tragic deaths of five crew members, authorities confirmed.

Incident Details

• The helicopter lost contact amid severe weather conditions while flying over Mohmand district airspace.
• On receiving no response, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur swiftly initiated search efforts and deployed rescue teams to the crash site.
• READ MORE: 49 Dead in Monsoon Flash Floods

Official Response & Relief Efforts

• Chief Minister Gandapur stated that all possible measures were taken to regain contact prior to the crash, and emphasized the dire impact of the adverse weather on rescue operations.
• He also noted that the province’s second government helicopter is currently engaged in ongoing rescue operations in Buner district.

Broader Context: Regional Flooding and Damage

The crash occurred against the backdrop of worsening monsoon-related floods and landslides across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

• Over the past 24 hours, 43 people have died and 14 injured in rain-induced incidents, including two women and eight children among the casualties.
• Structural losses include 25 partially destroyed houses and five that were completely demolished across districts such as Swat, Buner, Bajaur, Torghar, Mansehra, Shangla, and Battagram.

Ongoing Rescue and Relief Operations

• Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) teams, local authorities, and volunteers are actively engaged in evacuation, rescue, and medical response in the affected areas.
• The PDMA has also issued a warning of continued heavy rainfall through August 21, which threatens to further intensify flooding and landslide risks.

Summary Table