Muzaffarabad: A Pakistani Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad during take-off due to a reported technical fault, resulting in the deaths of all personnel on board, the military confirmed.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that there were no survivors in the accident. The helicopter was engaged in Pakistan Army Aviation operations when it crashed shortly after take-off in the mountainous region of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Rescue and recovery teams were dispatched immediately to the crash site to retrieve remains and secure the area. ISPR announced that a board of inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the technical malfunction that led to the crash.

Further information regarding the identities and the number of military personnel on board has not yet been disclosed.