Tragic Helicopter Crash Near Kedarnath Claims Seven Lives, Including Infant
In a heartbreaking incident, a helicopter crash near revered Kedarnath Shrine in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand claimed the lives of all seven people, including 23 -mont --LELD Baby and Pilot. The tragedy, which took place around 5:20 am on Sunday morning, has sent shockwaves across the country, suspended the suspension of all helicopter services at four religious pilgrimage sites and has raised serious questions about aviation security in the region.
The sick Chopper, run by Aryan Aviation Private Limited, was the route from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, when it crashed in a dense forest area near Gauri Mai Khark between Garikund and Sonprayag. According to Rudraprayig District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar, an accident occurred amid poor visibility due to dense fog and adverse weather conditions in the Kedarghati Valley. The helicopter, which flew from Kedarnath at 5:19 pm after landing at 5:18, allegedly caught fire on the effect, due to which no one happened.
The deceased was a Maharashtra-based family- Rajkumar Jaiswal, his wife Shraddha, and his child's son Kashi- who visited the Kedarnath pilgrimage for blessings. Other victims included Uhimath, Vinod, Truppi Singh and 10 -year resident Vikram Rawat. Pilot, Rajveer were also killed in an accident. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were immediately sent to the site, where they faced challenges due to the rugged area and dense forest cover.
It marks the fifth aviation incident on the Char Dham Yatra route in just six weeks, intensifying concerns about the safety of helicopter services in Uttarakhand. Previous incidents include an accident near Gangotri on 8 May, killing six, and an emergency landing on 7 June due to technical disturbances. Aviation expert Surjit Panesar, now speaking on time, attributed such an accident to a challenging weather in a challenging weather, urging strict rules.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief and directed a high-level committee, already investigating prior accidents to investigate the tragedy. "I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety of all passengers," he said, helicopter services for Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotry and Yamunotry were stopped until the next notice. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condemned the loss, which led to prayers for the families of the victims.
The incident has provoked resentment and called for an increase in safety protocols, emphasizing the need for strong aircraft inspection and air traffic control systems in the area, where helicopters operate around 400 sorters daily during the pilgrimage season. As the investigation continues, the tragedy underlines the risks faced by pilgrims in the Himalayan region, where unexpected weather and rugged areas face frequent challenges.