The tragic Kedarnath helicopter crash in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district claimed seven lives as the chopper went down near Gaurikund amid poor visibility. The incident has triggered a high-level investigation into technical protocols, flight safety standards, and operational procedures for heli services in the region.
Kedarnath helicopter crash has once again shaken the nation, even as India is yet to recover from the devastating Air India tragedy in Ahmedabad, with families still waiting to receive the bodies of their loved ones. In yet another heartbreaking incident, seven people, including a 23-month-old child and the pilot, lost their lives early this morning when a helicopter crashed into a dense forest between Gaurikund and Sonprayag in Uttarakhand.
The chopper was flying from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi on a short 10 minute journey when it met with disaster around 5:20 AM, according to the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA). Rescue teams later confirmed that all seven on board were charred to death in the wreckage, once again raising questions over the safety of helicopter operations in the treacherous Himalayan region.
Poor Visibility and Remote Terrain Blamed for Kedarnath Helicopter Crash Near Gaurikund
The tragic Kedarnath helicopter crash occurred early this morning as the chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd, was returning from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi carrying six pilgrims — including a 23-month-old child — and the pilot. The short 10-minute journey took a disastrous turn when sudden weather changes led to extremely poor visibility over the Himalayan valley.
Officials reported that the pilot made every attempt to divert the helicopter away from the narrowing valley near Gaurikund, but worsening weather conditions left little room for maneuver. The helicopter ultimately crashed into a dense forest between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan in Kedarghati, bursting into flames upon impact.
“The weather turned bad during the return journey. The pilot tried to move the chopper out of the valley but it crashed near Gaurikund,” confirmed Rahul Chaubey of the District Tourism Development Department.
Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar stated that heavy cloud cover drastically reduced visibility, making the flight path treacherous in the final moments.
Inspector General (Garhwal Range) Rajiv Swaroop described the crash site as “a very remote area,” adding that its location made rescue and recovery operations extremely challenging.
Rescue teams from NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities reached the crash site despite the difficult terrain. Sadly, all seven onboard, including the pilot, perished in the accident as the aircraft was completely engulfed in fire shortly after impact.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Expresses Grief and Orders Comprehensive Probe Into Kedarnath Helicopter Crash
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic Kedarnath helicopter crash in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared his condolences and prayers for the victims. He stated, “Extremely sad news has been received about the helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local administration, and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety of all passengers.”
Taking serious note of the repeated helicopter accidents in Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister has also issued strict instructions to overhaul the regulatory framework for heli services operating across the state. He has directed the formulation of a stringent Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which will mandate complete technical inspections of helicopters and precise weather evaluations prior to every flight, especially on sensitive pilgrimage routes like Kedarnath Dham.
To ensure aviation safety, the Chief Minister has assigned the Chief Secretary to establish a committee of technical experts who will conduct a thorough review of all technical, safety, and operational protocols involved in helicopter operations. This expert panel will draft new SOPs ensuring transparent, safe, and fully compliant heli services in Uttarakhand.
Additionally, a high-level committee, already investigating previous helicopter crashes in the state, has been instructed to also examine today’s tragic Kedarnath helicopter crash. The committee will conduct an in-depth inquiry into every aspect of the incident, identify lapses or negligence by any individuals or organizations, and recommend stringent action against those found responsible.
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