PESHWAR: A chartered helicopter carrying 14 people, including three Russian crew members, crashed in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, killing at least six people. Eight others were reported injured.
The MI8 helicopter, chartered by the Pakistani oil exploration and production company Mari Petroleum, went down near the Shewa oil field due to a technical fault, sources indicated. They ruled out any possibility of sabotage.
The helicopter experienced a technical issue shortly after takeoff. As it attempted an emergency landing, its tail rotor struck the ground. The injured individuals were transported to Combined Military Hospital Thal.
A spokesperson for Mari Petroleum stated that the helicopter “experienced a tragic accident due to engine failure.” They added, “Although the helicopter managed to land, it unfortunately lost control afterward. Evacuation operations are currently underway, with support from all relevant departments, including the Pakistan Army. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospital.”
Earlier this year, Mari Petroleum discovered gas reserves at the Shewa-2 well. Mari is the operator of the Waziristan Block, holding a 55% working interest, with joint venture partners OGDCL and OPI holding 35% and 10% interests, respectively.
