A Mi-17 military helicopter belonging to the Pakistan Army crashed during takeoff near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Officials confirmed that all personnel on board lost their lives.
The army's public relations unit reported that the crash was caused by a technical failure. The statement noted that rescue and debris removal teams reached the site promptly.
Military authorities announced the formation of an investigation board to determine the exact cause of the helicopter crash.
The accident occurred amid heightened security measures recently implemented in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Security presence in the region had already increased following protest organizers' plans for demonstrations. Authorities also deployed federal paramilitary forces to the area and issued a strict travel advisory.