UN confirms death of peacekeepers in DRC chopper crash

United Nations (UN) has confirmed that eight peacekeepers were on board the helicopter that crashed in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

A statement by UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric said no one survived the accident.

The ill-fated chopper went missing on Tuesday in North Kivu.

A search and rescue operation discovered the bodies later transported to Goma.

The UN conveyed condolences to the governments and the families of the six crew members from Pakistan and the two military staff from Russia and Serbia.

“An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway”, Dujarric confirmed.

The Puma helicopter had lost contact during UN Stabilisation Mission.

The team were on a reconnaissance mission in Tshanzu, South-East of Rutshuru, following clashes between Congolese forces and M23.

The late Pakistanis: Lt Col Asif Ali Awan, pilot; Maj Saad Nomani, co-pilot; Maj Faizan Ali; naib subedar Samiullak Khan, flight engineer; havaldar Muhammad Ismail, crew chief; lance havaldar Muhamad Jamil.