BAJAUR— A rescue helicopter of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government crashed in Bajaur on Friday while carrying out relief operations in areas devastated by record-breaking monsoon rains, leaving five people, including three pilots, martyred.
Officials said the incident occurred as the province continues to reel from unprecedented flooding, cloudbursts, and relentless rainfall that have already claimed more than 200 lives across KP, displacing thousands and destroying homes, roads, and farmland.
Rescue teams rushed to the crash site while ongoing relief and evacuation efforts in flood-hit districts continue under severe challenges posed by rough terrain and worsening weather conditions.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed deep grief over the tragedy and announced a day of mourning across the province, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast. He paid tribute to the fallen crew, calling them “true heroes who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.” The martyrs will be laid to rest with full state honors.
