Joshimath: A helicopter carrying six people, including five passengers and a pilot, crashed near Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday, October 30, while travelling from Badrinath to Dehradun.
The helicopter, operated by private aviation company Trans Bharat Aviation, reportedly crashed around 2.20 pm near Chai village in the Joshimath area. According to district officials, the aircraft hit a hillside close to the JP Power House.
The incident triggered an emergency response, with the district administration immediately mobilising rescue teams to reach the crash site. Police personnel, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were dispatched to the location to carry out relief and rescue operations.
The helicopter was reportedly returning to Dehradun from Badrinath when the accident occurred. However, officials had not confirmed whether it had completed a pilgrimage-related journey from the Badrinath shrine.
The condition of the six people on board was not immediately known when the initial reports emerged. Authorities were working to establish whether there were survivors and determine the extent of injuries, if any.
The mountainous terrain around Joshimath presents significant challenges for emergency response teams, particularly when aircraft accidents occur in areas with steep slopes and difficult road access.
Pushkar Singh Dhami monitors rescue operation
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern over the helicopter crash and said he was closely monitoring the developments.
In a post on X, Dhami confirmed that the helicopter had crashed near Chai village, close to Joshimath. He said a joint rescue operation had been launched by the district administration, Disaster Management Department and SDRF.
“We have received the unfortunate news of a helicopter crash near Chaien village, close to Joshimath. A joint rescue operation is being conducted by the district administration, disaster management department, and SDRF. I am continuously monitoring the entire incident,” the Chief Minister said.
He also directed officials to ensure that seriously injured people were immediately airlifted to higher medical centres for better treatment.
The Chief Minister’s instructions highlighted the importance of providing emergency medical assistance without delay, particularly given the geographical challenges of the region.
Rescue officials were coordinating with different agencies to reach the crash location and assess the situation. The administration was also monitoring the operation to ensure that additional resources could be arranged whenever necessary.
Additional helicopter deployed for aerial search
The district administration deployed another helicopter along with an aerial search team to help trace the missing aircraft and assess the crash location.
The additional aircraft was intended to support the search operation, particularly because the helicopter had crashed in a hilly area near Joshimath.
Aerial assistance is often important during emergencies in the Himalayan region, where steep mountain slopes, forests and limited road connectivity can make it difficult for ground teams to reach an accident site quickly.
Meanwhile, police, SDRF, Army and ITBP personnel were sent towards the location to assist with rescue efforts.
The coordinated response involved both administrative and disaster management agencies. Their immediate priorities included locating the aircraft, reaching the people on board and arranging medical assistance for anyone injured in the accident.
The district administration was also expected to provide further information as rescue teams assessed the crash site.
What is known about the Trans Bharat Aviation helicopter?
The helicopter involved in the accident belonged to Trans Bharat Aviation, a private aviation company.
According to the initial information provided by officials, the aircraft was travelling from Badrinath towards Dehradun when it crashed near Chai village at approximately 2.20 pm.
Badrinath is one of the four major pilgrimage destinations in Uttarakhand’s Char Dham circuit. Helicopter services are used in the region to facilitate travel across difficult Himalayan terrain, particularly during the pilgrimage season.
Joshimath, located in Chamoli district, is an important transit point for visitors travelling towards Badrinath and other destinations in the upper Himalayan region.
However, officials had not confirmed whether the helicopter was returning after carrying pilgrims from the Badrinath temple or whether the journey was part of another scheduled operation.
The precise circumstances surrounding the crash were also not immediately available. Authorities would need to establish the aircraft’s flight details, operating conditions and other relevant information before determining what caused the accident.
Rescue operation underway as authorities await further details
The helicopter crash prompted an immediate response from Uttarakhand’s district administration and emergency services. With six people reported to be on board, the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of the passengers and the pilot.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he was receiving updates and had instructed officials to ensure prompt medical assistance for anyone seriously injured.
The deployment of an additional helicopter, along with teams from the SDRF, police, Army and ITBP, was expected to strengthen the search and rescue operation.
At the time of the initial report, officials had not confirmed any casualties. Further information about the condition of the passengers and pilot, as well as the circumstances that led to the accident, was awaited.
The immediate priority remains locating and assisting all six people on board, while the authorities continue their rescue operation near Joshimath.