• Source:JND

Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: The authorities in Uttarakhand swung into action after the helicopter crash incident in the Rudraprayag district that claimed seven lives on Sunday. Following the tragedy, a case has been registered against the firm that operated the helicopter services.

FIR Registered In Chopper Crash

Uttarakhand Police filed a case against two officials - Kaushik Pathak, the Accountable Manager, and Vikas Tomar, the Manager of Aryan Aviation, under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 10 of the Aircraft Act. Section 105 pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while Section 10 deals with penalties for violating aircraft safety regulations.

The helicopter took off from Guptkashi at 05:10 am and landed at Shri Kedarnath Ji Helipad at 05:18 am before departing again at 05:19 am for Guptkashi and is reported to have crashed near Gaurikund between 05:30 am and 05:45 am.

What May Have Caused The Incident?

The Civil Aviation Ministry said the preliminary indications suggest that the probable cause of the crash may be Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), with the helicopter reportedly airborne despite poor visibility and extensive clouding at the valley entry area. The exact cause will be determined through a detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

ALSO READ: Where Is Ayatollah Khamenei? Questions Swirl Around Amid Escalating Attacks | Report

The crash resulted in the deaths of all seven people on board, including five adults, one infant, and one crew member.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to express their condolences and offer full support from the Centre.

CM Dhami Chairs High-Level Meeting

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a virtual emergency meeting with senior officials following the crash. The meeting, held at the Chief Minister's residence, was attended by the Chief Secretary, the Disaster Management Secretary, UCADA CEO, Garhwal Commissioner, and other top officials.

What DGCA Said On The Crash?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) would conduct a detailed probe into the incident.

ALSO READ: Aamir Khan Says 'My Sisters And Daughter Married Hindu' On Love Jihad Claims Against Him

In light of the crash, the frequencies of helicopter operations to Char Dham will be reduced as a precautionary measure. Enhanced surveillance and operational reviews are also being carried out by DGCA, the aviation authority said in its statement.

Providing more details of the incident, the DGCA added, "Today, Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter VT-BKA operating a flight on the Shri Kedarnath ji - Aryan Helipad Guptkashi sector was involved in an accident. There were five passengers, one infant, and one crew member on board. The helicopter took off at 05:19 hours for Guptkashi and crashed near Gaurikund."

(With agencies inputs)


Also In News