A Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad on Wednesday during take-off due to a technical fault, the military said.

All personnel on board were martyred in the crash, the statement said, adding there were no survivors.

Rescue and recovery teams reached the crash site immediately after the incident. A board of inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact technical cause of the accident.

The Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, along with all ranks of the Pakistan Army, expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of those killed.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and grief over the Pakistan Army’s Mi-17 helicopter accident.

PM Shehbaz paid tribute to all personnel martyred in the accident and said the entire nation salutes the sacrifices of its brave sons. He also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for patience for their families.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan expressed sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of military personnel in the helicopter crash and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. He said the nation salutes the brave sons who were martyred.

Former Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani also expressed grief over the Pakistan Army’s MI-17 helicopter crash, paid tribute to those martyred in the accident and prayed for the elevation of their ranks.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed profound grief and sorrow over the accident, paying tribute to the military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

In a message of condolence, the Interior Minister extended heartfelt sympathies to the families of the personnel who embraced martyrdom in the tragic incident. He said the loss had saddened the entire nation and reaffirmed solidarity with the bereaved families during their time of grief.

Mohsin Naqvi said the officers and soldiers on board the helicopter attained the esteemed status of martyrdom while serving the country, adding that their sacrifice reflected the highest traditions of devotion and commitment to national duty.

The helicopter crash near Muzaffarabad has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the country, with tributes being paid to the personnel who laid down their lives in service of the nation.