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A Pakistani army helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday because of a technical fault, killing everyone on board, the military said.
The Mi-17 helicopter went down during takeoff near the city, according to a statement from the Pakistani military’s media wing.
“An Mi-17 helicopter of Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad today during take-off due to a technical fault,” the statement said.
“All personnel on board embraced martyrdom,” the military added.
The statement did not specify how many people were aboard the helicopter or provide additional details about the identities of those killed.
The crash occurred as a heavy security presence remained in Muzaffarabad following plans for demonstrations by members of a protest movement.
The local government recently banned the group under anti-terrorism laws.
Members of the movement had said they intended to hold protests shortly after the ban was imposed.
The military did not indicate that the crash was connected to the security situation, attributing it to a technical fault during takeoff.
Kashmir is regarded as a highly sensitive area by Pakistan’s military and government following years of armed clashes and wars with India.
The Muslim-majority region is claimed in full by both Pakistan and India but has been divided between them since the two countries gained independence from British rule.
Muzaffarabad is the capital city of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
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