Seven people, including toddler, killed in horror India helicopter disaster
The tragedy comes just three days after an Air India plane bound for London crashed in the city of Ahmedabad.
Seven people, including a young child, have died after a tragic helicopter crash in India in the early hours of Sunday, June 15, according to local reports.
The aircraft crashed within minutes of taking off from the town of Kedarnath, and was carrying Hindu pilgrims to a prominent holy site in the Himalayas.
It came down in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, with the pilot also losing his life, the Express reports.
Nilesh Bharne, IG Law and Order, told local newspaper the Indian Express: 'Around 5.20am on Sunday, the helicopter went missing after taking passengers from Kedarnath, en route to Guptkashi. It crashed in Gaurikund, leading to seven deaths. We are ascertaining the reason for the crash.'
The helicopter was operated by Aryan Aviation, a private service. Officials said it is believed the crash was caused by poor weather conditions in the area.
Authorities have since launched a search and rescue operation, and are expected to review operational protocols for regional flights, according to a local disaster official.
Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami wrote on social media: 'The extremely distressing news of a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district has been received. SDRF, local administration and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations.'
A meeting is due to take place, chaired by the chief minister, to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
According to India Today, some of the country's top officials will be in attendance, including the Chief Secretary, Secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Secretary of Disaster Management. Organisations including the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Directorate of Information will also be represented.
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The incident comes just three days after the horror Air India crash which saw at least 270 people die after a Boeing 787 bound for London plunged to the ground in the north-western Indian city of Ahmedabad, moments after taking off.
All but of the people on board were killed, with sole survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh walking away from the wreckage.
He said he managed to escape after his side of the aircraft fell onto the ground floor of a building, and he was able to force his way out via a broken door. Locals immediately rushed to his aid before he was taken to hospital.
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