A helicopter crash in Uttarakhand claimed the lives of all seven individuals aboard, including six pilgrims and the pilot. The Aryan Aviation chopper was making a journey from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi when it went down at 5:20 am, reportedly due to adverse weather and technical difficulties. The crash occurred in a forested area between Gaurikund and Sonprayag.
The casualties included three members from the Jaiswal family of Maharashtra, a 23-month-old child among them, who tragically did not survive. Other victims comprised a Badarinath Kedarnath Temple Committee employee, as well as pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh. The pilot, Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan, also lost his life in the incident.
As search and rescue operations commenced, officials from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) swiftly arrived at the scene. By 7 am, they began their efforts to recover victims, who were unfortunately found charred beyond recognition. Inspectors have stated that DNA testing may be necessary to properly identify the bodies before they are returned to their families.
In light of this accident, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced that helicopter services in the region would be suspended until safety protocols could be assured. The Chief Minister emphasized the critical importance of passenger safety, directing that a stricter standard operating procedure (SOP) for helicopter operations be established to include thorough technical checks and precise weather assessments before flights.
This tragic incident marks the fifth helicopter accident since the Kedarnath temple’s reopening in May, raising serious concerns about aviation safety in the area. Within the same month, another helicopter experienced a forced landing due to technical issues, though all passengers survived.
Condolences have poured in from various leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who extended their sympathies to the families affected by this disaster. The situation has highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures in civil aviation, particularly in challenging terrains like Uttarakhand.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the risks involved with aerial tourism, underscoring the importance of stringent safety regulations to protect travelers and ensure their well-being. While the current circumstances are grim, it is hoped that the implementation of new safety protocols may prevent future tragedies.