Jammu

Two pilots who were critically injured after a helicopter crashed on the hills near Patnitop in Udhampur district succumbed to wounds on Tuesday, officials said.

They said both the pilots, Major-rank officers, were removed to hospital in very critical condition following the crash near Shiv Garh Dhar area of Patnitop.

The deceased have been identified as Major Rohit Kumar and Major Anuj Rajput Patnitop. Army has offered deepest condolences to their families.

Police sources said locals reported that they saw a helicopter going down in the forested Patnitop area of Udhampur district.

Same sources said the crashed helicopter belonged to the army.

Rescue teams reached to the spot.

The pilot and the co-pilot were injured in this crash and shifted to the hospital where they breathed their last.

The army to confirm the crash although media persons have been asked not to carry pictures related to the crash being circulated on the social media.