In a tragic incident early Monday morning, a helicopter carrying pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand, killing all eight individuals onboard. The crash occurred around 5:20 AM in the densely forested terrain near the Himalayan foothills, shortly after the aircraft took off from the Kedarnath helipad.
What Happened
According to initial reports from officials, the helicopter was flying under challenging weather conditions, with dense fog and low visibility in the region. The aircraft lost contact with ground control within minutes of takeoff. Locals near Garudchatti reported hearing a loud noise followed by smoke rising from a remote valley area, prompting immediate alert to emergency services.
Search and rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and forest officials reached the crash site by mid-morning. Upon arrival, they confirmed that there were no survivors. The deceased include the pilot and seven passengers, two of whom were children.
Victims and Identification
Authorities are in the process of identifying the bodies, which have been recovered and transported to the Guptkashi base camp. Officials have stated that the names will be released after informing the families.
Government Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep grief over the incident and assured that the state government would provide all possible support to the victims’ families. “We are deeply pained by the loss of innocent lives. An inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash. Aviation companies must follow all safety protocols, especially in sensitive zones like Kedarnath,” he said.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has dispatched a special investigation team to examine the site and collect data from the helicopter’s black box, if retrievable.
Safety Concerns During Char Dham Yatra
This tragic crash has once again raised concerns about the safety of air travel during the Char Dham Yatra. Kedarnath, being one of the most visited shrines in North India, witnesses thousands of pilgrims daily. Helicopter services are frequently used to ferry people to and from the shrine due to its high-altitude location and challenging trek route.
Experts have often warned about the risks of operating flights in this region, especially during early mornings when visibility can rapidly deteriorate due to sudden changes in weather.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials from the Civil Aviation Department have temporarily halted helicopter services in the Kedarnath corridor pending review of current flight conditions. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
