At least one dead in helicopter crash in northern Pakistan

At least one dead in helicopter crash in northern Pakistan

2011-06-01 21:19:59 GMT+7 (ICT)

PUNJAB, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- A helicopter carrying five people on Wednesday crashed into a river in the northern Pakistani Punjab province killing at least one passenger, the APP news agency reported.

The military aircraft belonging to the Punjab Rangers fell into the Indus River in Kot Sultan area, Layyah district. Preliminary reports indicated that the accident was caused by the bad weather.

Three rescue helicopters were sent to the area and so far one body has been pulled out from the river but the identity of the victim is currently unknown. The passengers were high-ranking officials with the Punjab Rangers.

"The body of a person who presumably was among those aboard the helicopter was also found;" said Dr. Tasleem, head of Layyah's Rescue 1122. "Some parts of another body were also found."

It was also disclosed that Punjab Rangers Director General Muhammad Nawaz was on board of the aircraft, as well as two captains and one colonel. Witnesses said that two people wearing military uniforms were seen swimming out of the river after the incident.

According to the local police, the military helicopter was on a routine mission. The aircraft was heading to Dera Ghazi Khan after departing from Peshawar. There were strong winds during flight but the cause of the accident is under investigation.

In addition, teams of rescuers recovered parts of the helicopter from the river including its control panel, the foot board, the rear half portion along with rear wings and other parts.

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