A tragic helicopter crash in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Saturday claimed the lives of at least six people, while eight others sustained injuries. The helicopter, an MI-8, was carrying 14 passengers and had been chartered by Mari Petroleum, an oil exploration company in Pakistan.
According to sources, the helicopter experienced a technical issue shortly after takeoff from the Shewa oil field. As it attempted to make an emergency landing, the tail rotor struck the ground, leading to the crash.
In a statement, Mari Petroleum confirmed the technical fault, adding, “Although the helicopter successfully made contact with the ground, it lost control shortly afterward.”
The company further stated that a rescue and evacuation operation is currently in progress with the support of the Pakistan Army and other relevant authorities.
The injured have been transported to the nearest hospital for medical treatment, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, and additional details will be released as they become available.
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