A devastating accident occurred near Gaurikund, close to the Kedarnath pilgrimage route, as a kedarnath helicopter crashed during transit. The incident, which happened in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, claimed the lives of seven people, including the pilot and passengers. The crash took place on Monday morning under adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain, complicating both the flight and rescue operations.
The kedarnath helicopter was en route from Phata to Kedarnath, a commonly used air route for pilgrims unable to trek the mountainous region. Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the crash site moments after hearing a loud explosion.
Victims Identified, CM Announces Compensation
All seven occupants of the kedarnath helicopter lost their lives in the crash. The deceased include the pilot and six pilgrims who were traveling to seek blessings at the Kedarnath temple. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced ex gratia compensation for the families of the victims.
He also directed aviation authorities and disaster response teams to fast-track investigations into the cause of the crash. The mortal remains of the deceased have been recovered and sent for identification and autopsy.
Rescue Operation and Response Teams
Rescue teams including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and emergency medical personnel reached the crash site soon after receiving the alert. Due to the forested and hilly location, helicopters could not be used for immediate rescue, and personnel had to trek to the crash location.
Despite the rugged conditions, the teams managed to secure the crash site, recover the remains, and ensure no fire hazards spread to nearby forest areas. Authorities ensured that the ongoing Kedarnath Yatra was not disrupted by the incident.
Possible Causes and Early Findings
Initial reports suggest the kedarnath helicopter crash may have been caused by poor visibility due to bad weather, or possible mechanical failure. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause.
The pilot, a seasoned professional with several hundred hours of mountain flying experience, was in regular communication with the control room before losing signal. The last location recorded was a few kilometers away from the Kedarnath helipad.
Safety Concerns Raised Over Pilgrimage Flights
This crash has raised serious concerns over the safety protocols for helicopter operations in Uttarakhand’s pilgrimage zones. With thousands of pilgrims traveling daily during peak yatra season, many are now demanding stricter safety checks and better weather monitoring systems.
Authorities are likely to implement additional flight guidelines and suspend certain helicopter operations temporarily until the investigation concludes.
