A helicopter belonging to Mari Petroleum company crashed in the Shewa area of North Waziristan on Saturday, killing six passengers and injuring eight others.

According to a company spokesperson, the helicopter, used for personnel transport to the company’s Shewa Block, experienced engine failure, causing the crash.

The ill-fated helicopter had 14 people on board, including three foreign pilots from Russia. “The helicopter crashed due to engine failure,” the spokesperson for Mari Petroleum confirmed, adding that there was no evidence of sabotage involved in the crash.

Initial reports indicate that the helicopter’s tail rotor hit the ground while attempting an emergency landing. Despite the pilot’s efforts, the impact caused significant damage, leading to the fatalities and injuries.

The injured passengers were rushed to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Thal for treatment. Their condition remains critical, though further details on their health status are awaited.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the engine failure and to ensure safety measures are adhered to in future flights.