18 martyred after Pak Army's training plane crashes in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: At least 18 people, including five military personnel, embraced martyrdom when a small plane of the Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Mora Kalu (Bahria Town Phase-7) Rawalpindi in wee hours of Tuesday.

According to the ISPR, a small military plane   crashed  near  the Mora Kalu area in  Rawalpindi. At least 18 people, 13 civilians and five  crew members,  were martyred in the  tragic incident.   Following the crash, a massive fire broke out that engulfed several houses. 

The plane was on a routine training flight when it cashed, the ISPR added.

The cause of the said incident has yet to be determined. 

The crew members martyred in the incident, including two pilots, were Lieutenant Colonel Saqib, Lieutenant Colonel Waseem, Naib Subedar Afzal, Havaldar Ibne Ameen and Havaldar Rehmat.

Corps Commander Rawalpindi Lieutenant General Bilal Akbar visited the site of the plane crash where he was briefed by Pakistan Army officers on the incident.

Talking to  newsmen, a rescue official  said:   "A small plane crashed into a residential area. So far we have retrieved 18 dead bodies, including 13 civilians and five crew members,"  adding that nine people had also been injured.

Teams of 1122 and Pakistan Army  immediately rushed to the scene and started the  rescue operation.  At least 12 people were injured in the mishap.

Emergency was declared in the   big three hospitals of the city. While  the injured   and bodies  were shifted to the Holy Family and DHQ hospitals in Rawalpindi. 

President, PM messages

President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in Rawalpindi aircraft crash.

In statements issued from their offices, they condoled with the bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of those injured in the incident.