Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash: AAIB To Probe Accident That Killed 7 Near Kedarnath; CM Dhami Holds High-Level Meeting | Updates

In a tragic incident, seven people died in a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand's Gaurikund district in the early hours of Sunday. Uttarakhand ADG Law and Order V Murugeshan stated that the helicopter was returning from Kedarnath and it lost direction somewhere between Trijuginarayan and Gaurikund and later crashed in the same region. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami stated that the SDRF, local administration, and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. Apart from this, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) announced that the helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra will be suspended indefinitely, citing the recent incidents.

Here are the latest updates on the incident:

- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami stated that the helicopter crashed due to poor weather, adding that strict action will be taken against the culprits.

"... This morning, a helicopter crashed due to bad weather. I pray to God for those who lost their lives. An emergency meeting has been called immediately, in which instructions have been given that the rules of our DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) should not be violated, and the pilots flying in the upper Himalayan areas should have experience of the region. Aviation companies should also ensure this. A control and command centre should be set up. Strict action will be taken against the culprits in this accident... Helicopter services will not run today or tomorrow. These services will remain closed until the safety of the passengers is ensured," Dhami was quoted as saying by ANI.

-Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami held a virtual high-level meeting with senior officials after the helicopter crash, reported ANI.

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-The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will investigate the tragic incident, reported PTI

- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the incident. "Most distressingly, another civil aviation tragedy reported today morning, this time from Uttarakhand, in the Kedarnath - Gaurikund - Guptakashi region. 7 people were on board including a child and the pilot, and there has been a reported crash with worst being feared by media. While we await the results of rescue and search operations, my prayers go out for each one on board," Banerjee was quoted as saying by ANI.

(Updates to follow)