MUZAFFARABAD: A Pakistan Army Aviation helicopter crashed in the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Wednesday afternoon due to a technical fault, resulting in the death of all personnel on board, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Witnesses and local administration sources said the Mi-17 helicopter, which was carrying the law-enforcement personnel, met with the accident moments after taking off from Neelum Stadium, located along the right bank of Neelum River, at about 2:35pm.

“I was walking along the road when I saw the helicopter take off from the stadium on my left side and moments later it suddenly lost altitude and crashed into an army installation across the road,” an eyewitness told Dawn.

Neelum Stadium is located a short distance from the town’s press club.

Military’s media wing says no survivors; AJK PM expresses sorrow over tragedy

A thick plume of black smoke billowed from the crash site as flames engulfed the wreckage. At least two loud explosions were also heard.

Police and administration officials, who were in their nearby offices in connection with an ongoing strike called by a proscribed outfit, rushed to the area and deployed police personnel to keep onlookers away.

Fire-tenders from the Municipal Corporation and the Public Health Engineering Department along with ambulances from various facilities were also seen speeding to the crash site.

“All personnel on board embraced Shahadat. There were no survivors,” the ISPR said without specifying the number of casualties.

The military’s media affairs wing said that a board of inquiry had been constituted to ascertain the exact technical cause of accident.

COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and all ranks Pakistan army expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the statement added.

In a post on X, AJK PM Faisal Mumtaz Rathore expressed sorrow and grief over the tragedy. “Sad day for all of us. Brave defenders of our motherland have met a tragic accident. We share grief of their families and pray for them to bear this great loss with fortitude. Salute to their courage and professionalism,” the PM wrote.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026