Kedarnath: 5 Pilgrims, Pilot Killed After Helicopter Crashes In Uttarakhand

Six people, including the pilot, were killed in Uttarakhand today after a helicopter carrying the pilgrims crashed near Kedarnath on Tuesday. According to reports, seven people were on-board when the accident took place.

Six dead bodies have been recovered, while the rescue operation by Uttarakhand Police and NDRF teams is still underway.

The Uttarakhand state government has ordered a probe into the incident. "SDRF and district administration teams have reached the spot for relief and rescue work. A detailed inquiry has been ordered into this tragic incident," chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a tweet.

What happened?

The helicopter was ferrying pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it crashed just after taking off. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the Aryan Aviation Bell-407 helicopter VT-RPN with five passengers had just taken off from Kedarnath when it crashed over a valley near Garud Chatti where the weather was cloudy. The aviation body has now ordered a probe into the incident.

PM, President condole accident

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu condoled the death of people in the accident. "The news of the death of many pilgrims including the pilot in the helicopter crash near Kedarnath Dham is very sad," President Murmu wrote on Twitter.

PM Modi expressed anguish over the accident and said, "Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families."