by Bhupen Goswami

 GUWAHATI : Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter crashes in Arunachal Pradesh. 2 pilots and 3 crew members lost their lives in the accident. The Mi-17 helicopter landed at Rocham helipad here during its regular ration exercise. The helicopter was carrying regular rations from Huliang to Rocham when the incident took place. Two pilots and three crew members were on board the helicopter. According to defence sources, two pilots and three crew members were on board the helicopter. All of them are safe and they have sustained minor injuries.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to probe the incident. The helicopter was not used for a long time as per the information. Reportedly, one of the engineering crew suffered minor injuries, while the rest of the members are safe. ITBP personnel of Rocham chowki rushed to the spot and carried out the rescue operation. The entire body of the helicopter was damaged due to the collision. Squadron leaders Reddy and Karthik Patni were flying helicopters. A Court of Inquiry will be ordered to ascertain the cause of the incident. In a tweet, it wrote, “An INDIAN Air Force Mi-17 helicopter crashed in eastern Arunachal Pradesh today along with 2 pilots and 3 crew members. All are safe. The helicopter was flying for air maintenance when the incident took place.