A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government Mi-17 rescue helicopter crashed in Sokai near Chengai Banda on Friday, killing three people on board, officials confirmed.
Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah stated that the helicopter was en route to Bajaur for flood relief operations when communication was lost. According to the KP Chief Minister, the crash occurred due to adverse weather conditions in the region.
Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the site, while another government helicopter continues to assist in ongoing relief efforts in Buner district, one of the hardest-hit areas by recent flooding.
Read More: Buner Deadly Floods Kill 213, Leave Hundreds Missing
The tragedy comes as flash floods in Salarzai Tehsil, Bajaur, wreak havoc across communities. Torrential waters swept away roads, bridges, and homes, further hampering rescue and relief work.
Rescue officials confirmed that 21 bodies have been recovered so far, while seven individuals remain missing. At least three injured victims have been shifted to nearby hospitals after receiving emergency treatment.
Authorities continue search operations in affected areas, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) coordinating relief efforts. The dual tragedy of the helicopter crash and widespread flooding underscores the challenges faced by KP’s rescue teams amid ongoing natural disasters.
