JAMMU, May 4 (Agencies): An Army helicopter crashed in a forested, hilly area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Thursday, injuring three people, including its pilot and co-pilot, officials said.
The advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv crashed on the banks of a stream in Machina area of Marwah, cut off from the district headquarters due to heavy snow, said Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Khalil Ahmad Poswal.
The crash took place around 10.35 am. The wreckage was found on the banks of the stream, he said.
Three Army personnel on board the helicopter, including the pilot and co-pilot, were rescued in an injured condition and airlifted to hospital.
For people in the area, helicopters are the only mode of transport during winter. Helicopters are also the only source of supplies, including rations.
There was some confusion earlier in the day over how many people were on board.
According to a statement from the Udhampur-based Northern Command, At about 11:15 am, an Army Aviation ALH Dhruv helicopter on an operational mission made a precautionary landing on the banks of Marua river in the Kishtwar region of J&K. As per inputs, the pilots had reported a technical fault to the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) and proceeded for a precautionary landing. Due to the undulating ground, undergrowth and unprepared landing area, the helicopter apparently made a hard landing
Immediate rescue operations were launched and Army rescue teams reached the site. Two pilots and a technician were on board. All three injured personnel have been evacuated to Command Hospital, Udhampur. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered. Further details are being ascertained.
Army ALH Dhruv Helicopter Crashes in Kishtwar; Pilot, Co-Pilot among 3 injured
