A chartered helicopter carrying 14 people, including three Russian crew members, crashed in the North Waziristan district of the KP province on Saturday, killing at least six people, sources reported.

Eight people have been injured, according to the sources.

An oil exploration and production company in Pakistan, Mari Petroleum, chartered MI8 helicopter, which crashed near Shewa oil field due to a technical fault, said the sources.

The sources ruled out any possibility of sabotage.

The helicopter developed a technical issue shortly after takeoff. As it attempted an emergency landing, its tail rotor struck the ground, according to the sources.

The injured were transported to Combined Military Hospital Thal.

Helicopter experienced accident due to engine failure: Mari Petroleum

A spokesperson for Mari Petroleum said the helicopter “experienced a tragic accident due to engine failure.”

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“Although the helicopter managed to land, it unfortunately lost control afterward. Evacuation operations are currently underway, with support from all relevant departments, including the Pakistan Army. The injured are being transported to the nearest hospital,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

Earlier this year, Mari Petroleum discovered gas reserves at Shewa-2 well. MARI is the operator of Waziristan Block with 55% working interest along with OGDCL and OPI as joint venture partners having 35% and 10% working interest, respectively.

CAA shares details of journey

The helicopter departed from Islamabad at 11:15am on Saturday morning, heading towards Shawal, Waziristan, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported while quoting the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

After picking up new passengers, it took off from Shewa to Bannu at 1:15pm. The helicopter attempted an emergency landing in Shewa due to “engine trouble,” but the helicopter’s tail rotor hit the ground, causing it to overturn.

The helicopter was carrying six crew members, one safety officer, and 14 passengers, the CAA said and added that a search and rescue operation was initiated from Peshawar with the help of the Pakistan Army.

Mari Gas Company had been using this Russian-made helicopter for oil and gas exploration in remote areas. The helicopter was “wet-leased by Princely Jet Company from the Russian company PANH Helicopters.”

The CAA stated that a six-month air operator certificate had been issued in compliance with legal requirements for the helicopter. The wet-lease agreement was set to “expire on September 28, 2024.”

Under the lease agreement, the maintenance and crew training of the helicopter were the responsibility of the Russian company PANH, according to the CAA. The Bureau of Safety Investigation will conduct further investigations into the accident.