Jammu & Kashmir: Army ALH Dhruv, carrying 3, crashes near Kishtawar; injured persons under treatment

An Indian Army chopper crashed in isolated, hilly area in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday morning, injuring three people, including its pilot and co-pilot, officials said.

SSP Khalil Poswal of Kishtwar was quoted in a report saying that the spot of the accident has no mobile phone connectivity since its a remote and hilly area.

The Army ALH Dhruv, according to reports, crashed at Machna between Marwah and Dachhan area of the Kishtawar district. The incident happened around 11.15 am.

Officials from Northern Command Headquarters stated that around 11.15 am on May 4, an Army Aviation ALH Dhruv helicopter made "precautionary landing" on banks of Marua river. The officials added that the pilots had reported technical snag.

Northern Command HQ's media statement

The officials said, "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 Jammu and Kashmir."

The media statement further read, "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," the statement read.