Uttarakhand: A tragic helicopter crash near Kedarnath has claimed the lives of at least seven people, including the pilot, according to preliminary reports from state officials. The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, was en route to the holy Kedarnath shrine when it crashed between Gaurikund and Triyuginarayan on Sunday.
Wreckage engulfed in flames
Eyewitnesses and visuals from the scene revealed the charred wreckage engulfed in flames in an open field, with no immediate signs of survivors. The pilot and six other individuals onboard are feared dead, though an official confirmation is awaited pending identification and recovery efforts.
Authorities have launched a rescue and investigation mission, with teams rushed to the remote location. Weather conditions in the region were reportedly poor, and officials believe inclement weather could have contributed to the fatal crash.
Pilgrimage route under scrutiny
The Kedarnath shrine, located in the Garhwal Himalayas, attracts lakhs of pilgrims annually, many of whom rely on helicopter services for quicker and safer travel in the high-altitude terrain. However, adverse weather conditions and challenging flight paths have long made aerial transport in the region risky.
The crash site lies close to Gaurikund, the last road-accessible point before Kedarnath, a region prone to sudden weather changes. Aviation authorities and local administration have expressed concern about flight safety during monsoon-like conditions in the hills.
Comes in wake of Air India disaster
This incident follows closely on the heels of the Air India Flight 171 tragedy, in which 241 people lost their lives after the aircraft crashed in Ahmedabad en route to London on June 12. That crash, which left only one British national alive, has sent shockwaves across the aviation community. Investigations into the Air India disaster are underway, with the black box recovered and decoding in progress.
The proximity of both accidents in time has reignited public concerns about aviation safety, particularly in challenging weather and geographical conditions.
Government response and rescue efforts
The Uttarakhand government has ordered a high-level probe into the Kedarnath helicopter crash. Rescue operations are being carried out by disaster management teams and personnel from the Indian Air Force, with efforts focused on recovering the bodies and determining the exact cause of the crash.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami are expected to issue statements soon. A moment of silence was observed during the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly’s special session this afternoon.