By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Twenty-one Pakistani army personnel were killed when a military helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday, according to reports citing military officials.
The helicopter, identified as an MI-17 transport aircraft, went down shortly after take-off during what authorities described as a routine operational flight.
Pakistan’s military said all those on board the helicopter died in the crash. Initial findings suggest that a technical fault may have caused the aircraft to lose control moments after take-off, although a formal investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident. Rescue and recovery teams were dispatched immediately to the crash site, where emergency personnel worked to recover the bodies and secure the wreckage.
Eye witnesses said the helicopter struggle in the air before it crashed, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. Ambulances and security personnel quickly reached the area and transported the victims to a nearby hospital. Local residents said the aircraft was carrying security personnel deployed in the region amid heightened tensions following recent unrest.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the deceased personnel. Military officials described the incident as a national tragedy and pledged a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The helicopter crash is among the deadliest military aviation accidents in Pakistan in recent years. While some unconfirmed social media claims suggested foul play, authorities have not found evidence supporting such allegations and continue to treat the incident as an accident pending the outcome of the investigation.