An Indian Air Force helicopter reportedly crashed near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh during a training sortie in the wee hours of Friday, according to the news agency.

An Mi-17 V5 helicopter crashed while it was on a Air Maintenance mission, the IAF has confirmed.

Five IAF personnel have lost their lives in the crash that took place at 6.30 AM in the Tawang region of the state. One person is said to be critically injured. Seven personnel were onboard when the crash happened.

A court of inquiry has been ordered to probe the crash, said the IAF. (More details awaited)