Pilot, Two Others Killed in KP Government Helicopter Crash
Tragedy in KP: Helicopter Crash Kills Pilot and Two Passengers
PESHAWAR: Tragedy struck flood-hit Bajaur on Friday when a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government helicopter crashed, killing all three people on board while carrying out relief operations.
Rescue officials said the aircraft was en route to Jabrai in Salarzai tehsil, one of the worst-hit areas, where flash floods overnight had destroyed homes, swept away bridges, and cut off road access.
Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah confirmed the chopper was on a mission to deliver aid and support to stranded residents. “The aircraft was headed to assist in rescue efforts when it met with the accident,” he said.
The provincial government has just two operational helicopters — one in Bajaur and another in Buner. Losing the Bajaur chopper is expected to slow rescue operations in a region already facing severe access challenges.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar stressed that search and rescue remain the top priority. He urged residents to stay cautious and called on MNAs, MPAs, provincial ministers, and local officials to remain in the affected areas until relief work is complete.
The crash comes amid Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s worst flooding in years, which has so far claimed more than 110 lives and caused extensive damage across four districts.
Published in Daily Pak, August 16th, 2025
