Tragedy in Uttarakhand: Helicopter Crashes Near Kedarnath Shrine, All Seven On Board Killed.
Rudraprayag:
In a tragic incident early Sunday morning, a helicopter carrying pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi crashed amid poor visibility in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, killing all seven people on board. The crash occurred around 5:30 am in the dense forest area of Gauri Mai Khark, approximately 5 kilometers above Gaurikund.
According to Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar, the ill-fated chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd, took off from the Kedarnath shrine but lost control soon after. Preliminary reports suggest zero visibility caused by bad weather as the likely reason for the crash. The aircraft reportedly caught fire upon impact, further complicating rescue efforts.
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as:
- Capt. Rajveer Singh Chauhan (Pilot)
- Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal (35) – Maharashtra
- Kashi (2) – Maharashtra
- Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (41) – Gujarat
- Vinood Devi (66) – Uttar Pradesh
- Tushti Singh (19) – Uttar Pradesh
- Vikram Singh Rawat – Uttarakhand (Employee of Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee)
District Tourism Development Officer Rahul Chaubey stated that the helicopter went missing shortly after takeoff, prompting an immediate search operation. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police were dispatched to the crash site.
Official Response and Investigation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims. In a statement on social media platform X, he said that rescue and relief operations were underway, and a high-level probe had been ordered.
The Chief Minister has directed the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to conduct a detailed inquiry. A technical expert committee has also been tasked with drafting a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for helicopter operations in the state. The SOP will focus on mandatory technical checks, weather assessments, and pilot readiness before flights in high-risk zones like Kedarnath.
“The importance of heli services in Uttarakhand is immense for pilgrimage, disaster management, and emergency services. Therefore, ensuring their safety will be our topmost priority,” said CM Dhami.
Series of Heli Accidents in Uttarakhand
This is the third helicopter-related incident in Uttarakhand within a span of just over a month:
- May 8, 2025 – A chopper heading to Gangotri Dham crashed in Uttarkashi, killing six.
- June 7, 2025 – A helicopter flying to Kedarnath made an emergency landing due to a technical fault; the pilot was injured.
The recent string of aviation accidents, including the Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed 241 passengers just days ago, has raised serious questions about aviation safety protocols across India.
Safety Measures Under Review
In the wake of the Kedarnath crash, the Uttarakhand government has called for:
- Immediate review of all heli service providers’ safety protocols
- Weather monitoring systems at helipads and in-flight
- Installation of terrain warning and GPS tracking systems
- Compulsory training and re-evaluation for all heli service pilots in the region
The high-level committee investigating the crash will also review past helicopter accidents and is expected to submit a comprehensive report recommending corrective actions, including potential disciplinary or legal action against any negligent entities.
This latest tragedy underscores the critical need for robust aviation safety standards, especially in difficult terrains like the Himalayas, where weather can shift unpredictably and visibility is often poor. As pilgrim traffic continues to increase, ensuring the safe operation of heli services is now not just a priority but an imperative.
