KP govt helicopter crashes in Bajaur, 5 crew members martyred

Bajaur (Web Desk): A government helicopter of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) crashed on Friday in Bajaur district while it was on a mission to deliver aid to communities devastated by recent rains.

All five individuals on board, including two pilots, lost their lives in the incident. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed the fatalities and described the crew members as martyrs.

The KP government announced a day of mourning across the province, with the national flag to fly at half-mast in honor of the fallen crew members. The martyrs’ bodies will be laid to rest with full state honours.

As a mark of respect, the national flag will be flown at half-mast. The deceased will receive full state honors during their burial ceremonies.

Chief Minister Gandapur expressed his profound sorrow over the incident and, stating, “These crew members sacrificed their lives while saving others—they are our true heroes whose sacrifice will be remembered in golden letters in history.”

He extended his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families and offered prayers for the departed souls, asking for strength and patience for their loved ones.

The helicopter, which was engaged in essential flood relief efforts, is believed to have gone down due to poor weather conditions. Emergency teams have been sent to the crash site to assist with the situation.

This accident has occurred amid ongoing monsoon rains that have caused extensive flooding across several parts of the province, with Swat, Buner, and Bajaur being among the hardest hit.