A military helicopter crashed into a school in northern Pakistan on Friday, killing at least six people, including two ambassadors, authorities said.
Two Pakistani pilots and four foreigners died in the crash, military spokesman Asim Bajwal said on Twitter.
Thirteen others survived, military officials said. One of them is the Dutch ambassador to Pakistan, Marcel de Vink, according to the Netherlands' foreign affairs ministry. It was not known how many people on the ground, if any, were among the casualties.
Those killed include two ambassadors and the wives of two others, a source said. Their identities were not released pending notification of next-of-kin.
Bajwal tweeted that the helicopter that had what he called "a crash landing" was one of three carrying visitors to Pakistan's Naltar Valley. The two other helicopters landed safely.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said he had asked health officials to provide the best medical treatment to the survivors.
"The prime minister has extended heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of ambassadors and spouses who died in the helicopter crash," his office said in a statement. "He also expressed concern over the injured diplomats and prayed for their speedy recovery. "
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the crash, but Bajwal said it was caused by a technical issue.
A witness reported seeing the helicopter crash into a school building, followed by a fireball. It came down in Naltar, which is in Pakistan's Gilgit region.
It was part of a chopper convoy carrying diplomats and their families on a four-day tour of the region to help boost tourism.
Naltar is famous for its scenic mountains and lakes.
Credit: CNN
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