MAE: Romania's ambassador to Pakistan, slightly injured in helicopter crash, did not need hospitalisation

Spokesperson for Romania's Foreign Ministry (MAE) Raluca Lunculescu said Friday that the Romanian diplomat aboard a helicopter that crashed in Pakistan earlier in the day was slightly injured; although he was rushed to a hospital in the region, he did not need hospitalisation for his injuries and it is now safely in the town of Gilgit.

Photo credit: (c) Liviu SOVA / AGERPRES ARCHIVE

"Romania's ambassador to Pakistan. Mr Emilian Ion, was aboard a helicopter that has crashed today in a region in northern Pakistan. He was slightly injured, but now it is out of harm's way. He confirmed his state to us because we managed to get in touch with him by phone. Immediately after the accident he was rushed to a regional hospital, but he did not require hospitalisation for his injuries,' said Lunculescu.

She mentioned that no other Romanian nationals were on board, just foreign diplomats, some of whom died in the accident.

Lunculescu extended MAE's condolences, voicing regret over the human casualties.

She added that according to official information MAE got from the spokesperson of the Pakistani Army the crash was the result of technical faults.

"There are currently no indications to suggest the crash was the outcome of a terror act. There is an investigation underway," she said, adding that the Pakistani Army said the crash happened in an area where Taliban groups do not operate.

Asked about the destination of the diplomats aboard the helicopter, Lunculescu said they were on a travelling tour. "On an invitation from the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, they were to stay in the region for some days to visit various historic sites and meet local officials. The tour was obviously cancelled," she said.

Lunculescu added that...