Officials said the MI-17 helicopter was carrying relief supplies for rain-affected communities in Bajaur’s Salarzai area when it lost contact with the control room near Pandiali, Mohmand.

Moments later, it went down in Sokkai, near Chengai Banda. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft attempting a crash landing before impact.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed the incident, attributing the crash to severe weather conditions.

“This tragic accident has taken the lives of two pilots and three crew members. They sacrificed their lives to save others — they are our real heroes, and their bravery will be remembered in golden words,” he said.

The provincial government has announced a day of mourning on Saturday, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast. The CM directed that the martyrs be laid to rest with full state honours.

Rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site immediately after contact was lost. A second provincial helicopter remains engaged in flood rescue operations in Buner.

KP is grappling with widespread destruction caused by torrential rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods that have killed at least 157 people in recent days.

The army and civil administration are conducting joint relief operations to evacuate stranded residents.