A crew of five died on Monday after an Army helicopter crashed in Gilgit-Baltistan after developing a “technical fault,” according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“On Sept. 1, 2025, at around 1000 hours, an MI-17 helicopter crash landed near Hudor village, approximately 12 kilometers away from Thakdas Cantonment,” read the statement. “The helicopter was on routine training flying when it developed a technical fault and crashed,” it said, adding all crew onboard had perished in the crash.
The military’s media wing has identified the crew as Major Atif, pilot in command, Major Faisal, co-pilot, flight engineer Naib Subedar Maqbool, and crew chiefs Havaldar Jahangir and Naik Amir.
Local police had confirmed the incident early on Thursday, saying the helicopter was conducting a test landing on a newly proposed helipad when it crashed.
In a statement, GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan said he had issued directions to impose an emergency at Chilas Hospital and ordered the immediate availability of medical staff. Offering his condolences, he paid tribute to the martyred personnel. “The sacrifice of the martyrs of the helicopter crash is a source of pride for the nation,” he said.