• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: Helicopter services for Char dham yatra have been suspended following a crash near Gaurikund on Sunday morning that claimed seven lives, including six pilgrims and a pilot. The decision comes as officials begin a thorough review of safety protocols and weather monitoring procedures.

Sonika, Chief Executive Officer of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), confirmed the suspension of all helicopter shuttle services in the Kedarnath valley due to ongoing rescue efforts and poor weather conditions. "Since the rescue operation is underway and seeing the weather conditions in the valley, our shuttle services have been closed. Almost all the helicopters are involved in the rescue operation. DM and SSP will also reach the site soon." she said.

ALSO READ: Uttarakhand: 7 Killed After Chopper Returning From Kedarnath Crashes Near Gaurikund; 5th Such Tragedy In Past Six Weeks

The Aryan Aviation helicopter was flying from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi when it lost contact around 5:20 AM. It later crashed in a forested area between Gaurikund and Sonprayag during its 10-minute journey. All seven people on board — five adult pilgrims, a 23-month-old child and the pilot — were killed in the crash. According to UCADA, their bodies were severely burnt.

Initial reports from UCADA said that the aircraft could not be traced for some time after departure. Later, it was confirmed that the chopper had gone down near Gaurikund. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, along with local police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), reached the crash site for relief and recovery work. Inspector General (Garhwal Range) Rajiv Swaroop stated that the area was difficult to access due to its remote location.

CM Dhami Announces Strict SOP's To Be Introduced

In response to the incident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be introduced to improve the safety of helicopter services in the state. He directed the Chief Secretary to form a technical committee that will conduct a detailed review of all existing safety measures.

“The SOP must ensure thorough technical checks of helicopters before each flight and accurate weather assessments must be mandatory,” said a statement from the Chief Minister's Office. The new panel will consist of aviation and safety experts and will be responsible for suggesting improvements to ensure the safe and transparent operation of helicopter services.

ALSO READ: Uttarakhand Weather: Heavy Rain Likely In Dehradun, Nainital, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Other Districts Till June 17 | Check Forecast

The Chief Minister also instructed the committee to look into earlier helicopter accidents in the state, including this recent crash and identify any lapses. If any person or agency is found responsible for negligence, strict action will be recommended.

In a message shared on social media platform X, Dhami expressed sorrow over the crash and said rescue efforts were ongoing. “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.” he posted.