Afghan official: Military chopper catches fire, killing 4

An Afghan official says at least four army personnel, all crew members of a military helicopter, have been killed when their aircraft crashed and caught fire in western Farah province.

Mohammad Naser Mehri, the provincial governor's spokesman, says two pilots and two sharpshooters died late Friday night when their chopper caught fire after an emergency landing in Khaki Safad district.

Mehri says the hard landing was caused by a technical problem but soon the chopper caught fire as it was loaded with ammunition.

He says he doesn't believe the incident was caused by enemy fire although an investigation is continuing.

The Taliban are in control of most areas in Farah province, especially Khaki Safad district.