PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government helicopter engaged in flood rescue operations has crashed, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed.
The aircraft, which had been operating in Mohmand district, was dispatched to assist victims in Bajaur before communication was lost due to severe weather. It was initially declared missing, but later reports indicated it had crashed while on its mission.
Two pilots were along five people who died in the crash .
CM Gandpur has announced a day of mourning tomorrow, with the national flag to fly at half mast.
باجوڑ کے بارشوں سے متاثرہ علاقوں میں امدادی سامان لے جانے والا صوبائی حکومت کا ایم آئی 17 ہیلی کاپٹر خراب موسم کی وجہ سے کریش کر گیا۔ اس افسوسناک حادثے میں دو پائلٹ سمیت عملے کے پانچ افراد شہید ہوئے۔ وزیر اعلیٰ خیبر پختونخوا علی امین گنڈاپور
— Government of KP (@GovernmentKP) August 15, 2025The helicopter was part of extensive relief efforts after torrential rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods wreaked havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). In the KP districts of Battagram, Bajaur, and Mansehra alone, these disasters have killed at least 146 people, injured more than 123, and left many missing.
At least 146 dead as torrential rains, cloudbursts wreak havoc across KP
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that the deceased include 126 men, 12 children, and 8 women, while the injured comprise 12 men, 2 women, and one child.
Torrential rains and flash floods have destroyed 35 houses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – seven completely and 28 partially. Bajaur and Buner are among the worst-affected districts, with landslides cutting off key access routes.
Rescue teams continue to struggle through treacherous terrain as the search and relief operations press on in multiple flood-hit areas.