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.

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

“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.