Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: 7 feared dead as pilgrim helicopter crashes in Uttarakhand, CM Dhami tweets in grief

Time of India

14 hours ago

Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: A helicopter carrying pilgrims from Kedarnath has tragically crashed near Gaurikund, leaving seven individuals feared dead. The aircraft, en route from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, lost contact around 5:20 am in the remote stretch between Trijuginarayan and Gaurikund.
According to Uttarakhand ADG (Law & Order), Dr. V. Murugeshan, initial reports indicated the chopper had gone missing in Gaurikund — only to confirm moments later that it had indeed crashed. On board were seven souls: five adults, the pilot, and a child, representing Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
Uttarakhand helicopter crash | Today, at around 5:20 am, a helicopter, which was going from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, has been reported to have crashed near Gaurikund. There were six passengers, including the pilot (5 adults and 1 child). The passengers in the helicopter… pic.twitter.com/AVGtuxWKGj
Official information about the Kedarnath Helicopter Crash
The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) reported that the helicopter had just dropped off pilgrims at Kedarnath before taking off for Guptkashi. 'In view of relief and rescue, NDRF and SDRF teams have been dispatched,' UCADA confirmed to ANI. IG Garhwal, Rajiv Swaroop, added that the crash site is extremely remote, prompting immediate despatch of police and SDRF personnel.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami posted on X (formerly Twitter) in Hindi: 'Very sad news has been received about a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local administration and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety of all the travellers.'
जनपद रुद्रप्रयाग में हेलीकॉप्टर के दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होने का अत्यंत दुःखद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ है। एसडीआरएफ, स्थानीय प्रशासन एवं अन्य रेस्क्यू दल राहत एवं बचाव कार्यों में जुटे हैं। बाबा केदार से सभी यात्रियों के सकुशल होने की कामना करता हूँ।
The rugged Himalayan terrain and early morning conditions are hampering rescue efforts. Teams from SDRF, NDRF, and local police are battling difficult weather and limited access routes. Authorities are racing against time, hoping for survivors, but as of now, no confirmed signs of life have been reported.
Shadow of the Ahmedabad Air India Tragedy
This tragedy follows closely on the heels of a devastating aviation disaster. On June 12, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, destined for London Gatwick. CCTV footage captured the aircraft struggling to climb before plummeting into a hostel block at B. J. Medical College, killing 241 people onboard and at least 33 on the ground, making it the worst aviation accident in India in a decade.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
One British-Indian passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated by an emergency exit, miraculously survived by jumping free just before the impact. The accident prompted an investigation focusing on engine performance, flap positioning, and air-traffic control procedures, a probe that has expanded to include safety checks across India's entire fleet of Boeing 787s.
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