Kedarnath Tragedy: Chopper Crash Claims 7 Lives, Alarming Fifth Crash in 6 Weeks
Kedarnath Tragedy: Chopper Crash Claims 7 Lives, Alarming Fifth Crash in 6 Weeks
Seven people, including the pilot, were killed early this morning in a helicopter crash near Kedarnath, marking the fifth aviation-related incident in the region since May 2. The ill-fated Aryan Aviation helicopter was en route from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi when it crashed in a forested area between Gaurikund and Sonprayag around 5:20 AM.
According to the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), the helicopter had seven people on board — six pilgrims (including one child) from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, and one pilot. Initial reports suggest that a combination of a technical fault and adverse weather conditions may have caused the crash.
The wreckage was spotted by local residents who were out gathering fodder. Upon discovery, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site for rescue and recovery operations.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the incident, stating on X (formerly Twitter):
“The extremely distressing news of a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district has been received. SDRF, local administration, and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. Prayers for the souls of the deceased.”
This marks the fifth aviation incident linked to Kedarnath pilgrimages in just six weeks. On June 7, another helicopter bound for Kedarnath made an emergency landing on a Uttarakhand highway due to a technical fault during takeoff. While all five pilgrims escaped safely, the pilot sustained minor injuries and the tail rotor struck a parked car during the landing.
As pilgrimage activity peaks, aviation safety around Kedarnath is under increased scrutiny, with experts urging stronger regulation and aircraft inspection protocols to ensure passenger safety.
