A chartered helicopter carrying 14 people, including three Russian crew members, crashed in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals, according to sources. Eight others sustained injuries in the incident.
The MI8 helicopter was chartered by Mari Petroleum, an oil exploration and production company in Pakistan, and reportedly went down near the Shewa oil field due to a technical fault. Sources have ruled out any possibility of sabotage.
The accident occurred shortly after the helicopter took off when it developed a technical issue. As the pilots attempted an emergency landing, the tail rotor struck the ground, leading to the crash.
Those injured in the incident were promptly transported to Combined Military Hospital Thal for medical treatment. The severity of their injuries has not been disclosed, but local authorities are closely monitoring their conditions.
This tragic incident has raised concerns about safety protocols and maintenance practices for chartered flights in the region, especially in remote areas where access to emergency services can be limited.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of life, there is a heightened call for stricter regulations governing aviation safety in the area. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with air travel, particularly in regions with challenging terrains and operational difficulties.
Further updates on the investigation and the condition of the injured passengers are awaited.
