Gilgit-Baltistan Government Helicopter Crash Kills Five Near Chilas

A Gilgit-Baltistan government helicopter crashed near Chilas while attempting an emergency landing due to a technical fault, resulting in the deaths of at least three to five people onboard, including two pilots and three technical staff members. The crash happened during a test landing on a newly proposed helipad, and the helicopter caught fire after impact, prompting immediate rescue operations by local authorities, the Pakistan Army, and emergency teams. Senior officials, including the Commander FC Northern, Director General of Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and the Diamer commissioner, arrived at the site to oversee the rescue and investigation efforts. An emergency was declared at Chilas Hospital, with all medical staff ordered to be on alert to assist the injured. The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and mandated immediate assistance and a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the technical failure. This incident follows a similar helicopter crash in August involving relief operations in a different region, underscoring concerns about helicopter safety in the area.