CHILAS: A Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government helicopter crashed in the Thor area of Chilas on Monday, killing all five people on board, officials confirmed.
According to GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the helicopter was carrying two pilots and three technical staff members. It developed a technical fault shortly after attempting a test landing on a proposed helipad in the mountainous area.
“The helicopter made a landing attempt but crashed due to a technical failure,” Faizullah Faraq said, adding that the aircraft caught fire after impact. Efforts were immediately launched to extinguish the flames.
Security forces, including the Commander of the Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA), the Director General of Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, the Commissioner of Diamer, and local administration teams, rushed to the site. A large number of local residents also gathered at the scene.
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Rescue teams worked in difficult conditions because of the rough terrain and wreckage spread over a wide area. The bodies of the crew were later recovered and taken to a nearby hospital.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. He ordered a detailed investigation, offered condolences to the families, and praised the pilots and staff for their service.
An initial investigation has been launched to find the cause of the crash. Officials believe a technical fault may have caused the accident, but bad weather and tough landing conditions in the mountains are also being reviewed.
Helicopters are often used in Gilgit-Baltistan to reach remote valleys, move officials, and provide emergency services, especially when roads are blocked. While strict safety checks are carried out, flying in high-altitude, rugged areas always carries risks.
