Military helicopter crash in Pakistan leaves 22 dead

At least 22 soldiers died when a military helicopter crashed on Wednesday (10), in Pakistani Kashmir, security sources said on Thursday (11), while funeral processions were held in Muzaffaraba, the territory's capital.

Videos from the crash site showed columns of thick, black smoke rising from behind the buildings where the helicopter crashed.

The source said the dead included 19 soldiers, an Army major and two colonels.

The soldiers received a ceremonial funeral, with their coffins draped in Pakistani flags and carried by members of the artillery unit stationed in Kashmir.

The Pakistani Army reported on Wednesday (10) that the Mi-17 helicopter crashed due to a technical failure and that everyone on board died.

An investigation to determine the exact technical cause of the accident has been launched, the country's forces added.

The crash came at a time when strict security restrictions have been imposed in Kashmir, following clashes between supporters of a recently banned alliance of civil society groups and security forces, which left at least 11 people dead on Sunday (7).

Source: CNN