A military helicopter crash near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, has killed all crew members on board, according to a statement from Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The ISPR said the army Mi-17 helicopter crashed during takeoff due to a "technical fault." Citing ISPR, Dawn reported that the agency did not specify the number of people on board, but confirmed: "All personnel on board have embraced martyrdom. No survivors."
Rescue and relief teams quickly reached the site. The ISPR added: "An investigation board has been formed to ascertain the exact technical reasons for the accident."
The incident comes amid heightened security tensions in Muzaffarabad and surrounding areas. Earlier, local authorities imposed a ban on a protest group under anti-terrorism laws, prompting members of the movement to announce they would hold demonstrations in protest.
Last weekend, at least 11 people were killed in clashes between police and protesters in Rawalakot, the capital of Poonch district in the region.
Authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have deployed additional federal paramilitary forces and issued strict travel advisories for the area.
