Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash: A helicopter travelling from Badrinath to Dehradun crashed near Joshimath on Friday amid the poor weather condition. While confirming the incident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the helicopter crashed near Chaien village in Joshimath. He further stated that a joint rescue operation is being conducted, adding that instructions have been given to airlift the injured passengers.
Uttarakhand CM Confirms Crash
"We have received the unfortunate news of a helicopter crash near Chaien village, close to Joshimath. A joint rescue operation is being conducted by the district administration, disaster management department, and SDRF. I am continuously monitoring the entire incident. Instructions have been given to immediately airlift the seriously injured to higher centres for better treatment," CM Dhami said in a post on X.
Helicopter Crashed Near Joshimath
In a statement, Sub-Inspector Manohar Kanyal stated that the officials received information of the crash at around 2.21 pm. He further stated that the crash location is near the Army Camp above Chai village, adding that exact details will be disclosed soon.
"At 14:21 hrs, information was received from the SDM Joshimath regarding the crash landing of a helicopter above Chai village in the Joshimath area. In this regard, UCADA officials stated that the location of a Trans Bharat helicopter, which was flying from Badrinath to Sahastradhara, is showing near the Army Camp above Chai village," Sub-Inspector Manohar Kanyal, Joshimath Post, was quoted as saying by ANI.
"There are 05 passengers and 01 pilot on board. Complete details regarding the crash or crash landing are not yet available," he added.
'Smoke Seen Rising Near Joshimath'
In its statement, Chamoli district administration stated that smoke was seen near Joshimath, adding that a team is currently tracking the crashed helicopter. "Smoke was seen rising near Chaien village in Joshimath, following the disappearance of the helicopter. There are six people on board the helicopter, including five passengers and one pilot," Chamoli district administration informed.
While providing details, Disaster Management Officer Nandkishore Joshi stated that the locals have informed about a fire incident above the JP Dam in Chamoli, reported Jagran. He further stated that other helicopters have been assigned for the search and rescue operations.
Search Operation Underway
As per the news agency ANI, the helicopter was carrying a total of six individuals, including a pilot and five passengers.
(Updates to follow)