A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government MI-17 helicopter delivering aid to flood-hit Bajaur crashed in Mohmand district on Friday, killing all five occupants, including two pilots.
Officials said the aircraft was transporting relief supplies to Bajaur’s Salarzai area when it lost contact near Pandiali, Mohmand. It later went down in Sokkai, close to Chengai Banda. Eyewitnesses described seeing the chopper attempting an emergency landing before the crash.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed the accident, blaming severe weather conditions. He paid tribute to the two pilots and three crew members, calling them “real heroes” whose sacrifice “will be written in golden words.”
The provincial government has declared Saturday a day of mourning, with flags at half-mast and full state honors for the martyrs.
Rescue teams reached the site soon after contact was lost, while another provincial helicopter continues flood relief work in Buner.
KP has been hit hard by relentless rains, flash floods, and cloudbursts, which have claimed at least 157 lives. The army and civil administration are jointly carrying out rescue and evacuation efforts for stranded residents.
