A chartered helicopter carrying 14 individuals, including three Russian crew members, crashed in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, resulting in at least six fatalities and eight injuries, according to sources.
The MI8 helicopter, hired by Mari Petroleum, an oil exploration and production company in Pakistan, crashed near the Shewa oil field due to a technical issue, the sources reported, ruling out any sabotage.
Read more: Helicopter has Crashed in India Near Kedarnath
The helicopter encountered a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff. As it attempted an emergency landing, its tail rotor struck the ground, sources indicated.
The injured passengers were transported to Combined Military Hospital Thal.
A spokesperson for Mari Petroleum stated that the helicopter “suffered a tragic accident due to engine failure.” They added, “Although the helicopter managed to land, it unfortunately lost control afterward. Evacuation operations are currently in progress, with assistance from 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 with a 55% working interest, alongside joint venture partners OGDCL and OPI with 35% and 10% working interests, respectively.
