Helicopter Delivering Flood Relief Crashes in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Five Dead

International News: Tragedy struck flood-ravaged northwestern Pakistan when a relief helicopter crashed while en route to deliver aid to rain-affected communities, leaving five people dead. The incident occurred in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which has been among the worst hit by recent torrential rains and flash floods. According to officials, the Mi-17 helicopter belonging to the provincial government was transporting essential supplies from Peshawar to Bajaur district on Friday. The aircraft reportedly lost contact with ground control while flying over the Mohmand tribal district, where it later went down.

Adverse Weather Conditions Suspected

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah stated that preliminary findings point to severe weather as the primary cause of the crash. The region has been experiencing persistent downpours, low visibility, and gusty winds in recent days, making flying conditions extremely hazardous.

The victims include two pilots and three other personnel onboard, all of whom were actively engaged in relief operations for flood victims. Authorities are investigating whether any technical malfunction or other contributing factors played a role in the accident. Rescue teams have been deployed to recover the bodies, which will be given full state honors during cremation ceremonies.

Floods and Landslides Claim Over 100 Lives

The tragedy further deepens the crisis already gripping Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the relentless natural disaster. The province has witnessed over 100 deaths in the past week, with many more injured or missing due to flash floods and landslides triggered by unrelenting rains. Entire villages have been cut off, and thousands have been displaced, prompting large-scale relief efforts by the government and humanitarian agencies.

Province Declares Day of Mourning

Expressing his condolences, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced a province-wide day of mourning on Saturday. “The crew members laid down their lives in the service of humanity. They are our real heroes, and their sacrifice will forever be etched in the history of this province,” he said in an official statement. Flags across government buildings will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.

As the province struggles to cope with the dual challenges of devastating floods and this tragic air crash, officials stress the need for urgent humanitarian aid, improved weather monitoring systems, and safer operational protocols for relief missions in high-risk areas.