Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

6 Pakistani soldiers die in military helicopter crash

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Oct 17, IRNA
Pakistan-Copter crash
A Pakistan military helicopter has crashed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir while on a relief operation in the earthquake-hit areas, killing six soldiers, a military statement said on Sunday.

One MI-17 helicopter of the Pakistan Army Aviation crashed in the mountains of Bagh valley (in Kashmir) on October 15, 2005, the military statement said.

Bagh is one of the most affected areas in Kashmir.

The helicopter was carrying relief items from Bagh to reach out to the areas, which so far had not been accessed, the statement said.

After no contact was made with the helicopter, a search began somewhere around mid-day and its debris was found around 1:30 a.m.

Although bad weather or technical fault may have been the cause of this crash, an investigation has been ordered to determine the actual cause, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Pak Army Spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan said the relief operation will continue despite risks.

He said two other military helicopters had crash landed in Kaghan valley in the North-West Frontier Province when they were hit by trees during the relief operation.

Both helicopters later returned to their base.

Sultan said every helicopter has been flying for 10 hours daily for the past eight days.

"This is an unprecedented operation," the spokesman said.

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