Injured in Kishtwar helicopter crash, aviation technician succumbs

KISHTWAR — An Aviation technician, among the three members on board a helicopter witnessing a crash in Kishtwar on Thursday afternoon, succumbed to his injuries, official sources said.

They told the news agency GNS that the aviation technician Pabballa Anil was evacuated from the site of the crash alongside the two pilots to Command Hospital Udhampur. “The injured technician succumbed shortly after,” they said, adding the two pilots are safe and are responding well to the treatment.

Earlier in a statement, a Defence spokesperson said that three army personnel, including two pilots and a technician, sustained injuries after a helicopter they were on board apparently made a rough landing along the banks of Marua river in Kishtwar region this morning.

“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. An immediate rescue operation was launched and army rescue teams reached the site,” the statement said further.

It added, “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,” reads the statement, adding that further details are being ascertained.