Helicopter Crash Near Kedarnath Claims 7 Lives; Char Dham Services Suspended.
A tragic helicopter crash near Kedarnath Dham on Sunday morning has claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including a 10-year-old girl and the pilot. The Aryan Aviation chopper was en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it went down in the dense jungles of Gaurikund, reportedly due to poor weather conditions.
The deceased have been identified as:
Rajveer (Pilot), Vikram Rawat, Vinod, Trishti Singh, Rajkuma, Shraddha, and Rashi, a young girl aged 10.
Authorities said the helicopter took off from Kedarnath at 5:17 am, transporting pilgrims to Guptkashi. However, the aircraft reportedly lost its way amid severe weather in the Kedarnath valley and crashed shortly after.
In response to the incident, helicopter services across the Char Dham region have been suspended until further notice. The decision was jointly taken by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Leaders Express Condolences
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow and announced immediate rescue efforts:
“Extremely sad news has been received about the helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local administration, and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also reacted to the tragedy, stating:
“Most distressingly, another civil aviation tragedy was reported this morning… 7 people were on board including a child and the pilot… My prayers go out for each one on board.”
Probes Ordered, Safety Review Underway
Chief Minister Dhami has directed the Chief Secretary to form a technical expert committee to thoroughly review all safety and operational protocols governing heli services in the region. The committee will draft a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to enhance transparency, safety, and compliance with aviation norms.
Additionally, an existing high-level panel—formed earlier to probe past helicopter mishaps in the state—will now also investigate this crash. It will examine potential lapses and recommend strict accountability for any negligence detected.
Crucial Role of Heli Services in Uttarakhand
Reaffirming the significance of helicopter operations in the state, CM Dhami noted:
“Heli services are vital for pilgrimage, disaster response, and emergency relief. Ensuring their safety will remain our top priority.”
The latest tragedy has once again raised pressing questions about the safety of aerial transport in the challenging terrain and volatile weather conditions of the Himalayan region.
Comments are closed.