Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash Kills 7; Chopper Services to Kedarnath Suspended

In a tragic incident, a helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed in the dense forests of Gaurikund while flying from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, killing all seven people on board. The crash has led to an immediate suspension of helicopter services in the Char Dham region.

Crash Details and Victims

The ill-fated helicopter took off from Kedarnath Dham at 5:17 AM and was en route to Guptkashi when it reportedly lost its way due to severe weather conditions in the Kedarnath valley. The crash occurred in the remote forests of Gaurikund in Rudraprayag district.

All seven people, including the pilot, were confirmed dead in the crash. The passengers on board were:

Rajveer – Pilot

Vikram Rawat

Vinod

Trishti Singh

Rajkuma

Shraddha

Rashi – a 10-year-old girl

Helicopter Services Suspended

Following the incident, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have jointly decided to suspend all helicopter services operating in the Char Dham region until further notice.

Rescue Operations Underway

Search and rescue operations began immediately after the crash was reported. SDRF, local administration teams, and other rescue units have been deployed at the crash site.

ADG (Law and Order) Dr. V Murugeshan confirmed to ANI that the search is ongoing and more details are expected soon.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Reacts

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences on social media platform X, stating:

"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."