A helicopter rescue mission went awry in Pakistan on Friday — killing five people in the rain-hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The chopper had been carrying relief goods for the affected areas when it lost contact over Mohmand tribal district amid inclement weather conditions. Over 160 people have been killed and dozens more left injured amid torrential rainfall in the region.
Chopper crashes with five on board
According to an official update, the helicopter crashed in the Changi Banda area with five people later confirmed dead. This included three individuals involved in the rescue operations as well as two pilots. Investigation remains underway to ascertain the cause of the crash — whether it was caused solely by weather or other factors. Rescue teams have also been dispatched to the crash site and officials said the deceased would be laid to rest with full state honours.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy — announcing a day of mourning across the province on Saturday. A second provincial government chopper remains engaged in rescue operations.
“We share the grief of the bereaved families. The helicopter crew sacrificed their lives to save others — they are our true heroes, and their sacrifice will be remembered in golden words in history,” Gandapur said.
Over 150 dead, others remain missing
Authorities confirmed on Friday that at least 160 people had been killed and many others left injured over the past 24 hours as rain lashed several parts of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Most of the deaths occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after torrential rains triggered flash floods in various districts. The floodwaters also damaged scores of buildings and blocked major arteries — including the Karakoram Highway and Baltistan Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan.
A total of 75 people died in Buner district, 17 in Mansehra and 18 each in Bajaur and Batagram districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, local government officials said.
“Over 125 people, including children, have died as the cloud burst followed by flash floods struck parts of the province since Thursday night,” spokesman for Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Faizi told PTI Friday.
Rescue teams and local residents have recovered the bodies, he said.
(With inputs from agencies)