Helicopter Crash in Uttarkashi: Five Killed, Two Seriously Injured Near Bhagirathi River
Helicopter Crash in Uttarkashi: Five Killed, Two Seriously Injured Near Bhagirathi River
In a devastating incident in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, a helicopter crash near the Bhagirathi River claimed the lives of five people on Thursday. The accident occurred in the Ganganani area, a remote border region known for its challenging terrain and proximity to popular pilgrimage routes. Two others on board suffered serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
According to Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, the helicopter was carrying six passengers and the pilot when it went down. Visuals from the crash site revealed the wreckage of the chopper, with its interior severely mangled, pointing to the intensity of the impact. The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Relief and rescue efforts began immediately after the incident, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local administration rushing to the spot. The injured passengers were quickly transported for urgent medical care.
Uttarakhand | Five passengers dead, two seriously injured in a helicopter crash near Ganganani in Uttarkashi district, confirms Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey.
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025
Administration and relief teams are present at the helicopter crash site.
(Photo source:… pic.twitter.com/JKoYpq7z1Q
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reacted promptly to the incident. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Very sad news has been received about some casualties in a helicopter crash near Gangani in Uttarkashi. SDRF and district administration teams have immediately reached the spot for relief and rescue work. May God grant peace to the souls of those who died in the accident and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense sorrow.
उत्तरकाशी के गंगनानी के समीप हेलीकॉप्टर क्रैश में कुछ लोगों के हताहत होने का अत्यंत दुःखद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ है। राहत एवं बचाव कार्य के लिए SDRF और जिला प्रशासन की टीमें तत्काल घटनास्थल पर पहुंच गई हैं।
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) May 8, 2025
ईश्वर हादसे में दिवंगत हुए लोगों की आत्मा को श्रीचरणों में स्थान एवं…
I have instructed the administration to provide all possible help to the injured and investigate the accident. I am constantly in touch with the officials in this regard and every situation is being monitored.”
The crash adds to the growing concerns around aerial travel in Uttarakhand’s mountainous regions, where helicopters frequently operate to serve tourists and pilgrims. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine what led to this tragic incident. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
