 "Uttarakhand: 7 killed as helicopter carrying Kedarnath pilgrims crashes")
Seven people died when a helicopter en route to Kedarnath Dham crashed in a forested area on Tuesday. The Aryan Aviation chopper was flying from Guptkashi to the Himalayan shrine, carrying pilgrims on a short 10-minute journey.
The crash occurred between Gaurikund and Sonprayag. Rescue teams rushed to the site, but all those on board were reported dead.
Inspector General (Garhwal Range) Rajiv Swaroop said the helicopter crash site is in a remote area. Police, NDRF, and SDRF teams have reached the spot for rescue efforts.
The deceased include the pilot and a child. Explaining the incident, IG (Law and Order) Nilesh Bharne said, “Around 5.20 am on Sunday, the helicopter went missing after taking passengers from Kedarnath, en route to Guptkashi. It crashed in Gaurikund, leading to seven deaths. We are ascertaining the reason for the crash.”
According to UCADA, the victims have been identified as pilot Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan from Jaipur; Vikram Rawat from Ukhimath, Uttarakhand; Vinod Devi and Trishti Singh from Uttar Pradesh; and Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal, Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal, and their two-year-old daughter Kashi from Maharashtra.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the incident, saying, “Very sad news has been received about a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local administration, and other rescue teams are carrying out relief work. I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety of all the travellers.”
Multiple chopper crash within a month
Earlier, on May 8, a helicopter going to Gangotri Dham crashed in Uttarkashi district in which six people were killed.
On June 7, a helicopter going to Kedarnath had to make an emergency landing on the road due to a technical fault soon after take-off in which the pilot was injured but the five devotees on board were rescued safely.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsDhami orders strict SOP for heli-services
Following recent helicopter crashes in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered the creation of a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for heli-services in the state. He said all helicopters must undergo technical checks and accurate weather assessments before every flight.
Dhami has directed the Chief Secretary to form a committee of technical experts to review all safety and technical aspects of helicopter operations and draft the new SOP. The aim is to ensure safe and transparent heli-services that follow all rules.
His office also said that the high-level panel already investigating past helicopter crashes will now probe the latest accident as well. The committee will look into the causes of each incident, identify any negligence, and suggest strict action against those responsible.
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