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Uttarakhand News
Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: A devastating accident near Kedarnath Dham claims seven lives, leaving the nation in mourning. Rescue operations are underway amidst challenging conditions.
In a heart-wrenching tragedy that has shaken the nation, a helicopter carrying seven souls crashed near the sacred Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand’s Gaurikund region on Sunday morning. The ill-fated chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation, was en route from Kedarnath to Phata when it plummeted near Trijuginarayan, reportedly due to treacherous weather conditions. All seven aboard, including passengers and crew, are feared dead, casting a pall of grief over the serene Himalayan valleys.The crash, which occurred at approximately 7:00 AM, sent shockwaves through the pilgrimage hub, where devotees throng to seek blessings at the revered Kedarnath Temple. Eyewitnesses described a haunting scene: the helicopter, struggling against gusty winds and dense fog, veered off course before crashing into the rugged terrain. The deafening sound of the impact echoed through the mountains, shattering the morning calm.
Uttarakhand’s Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Law and Order, Dr. V. Murugeshan, rushed to the site with police teams, joined by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel. Rescue operations are underway, but the remote location and inclement weather have posed significant challenges. “We are doing everything possible to reach the site and investigate the cause,” Dr. Murugeshan said, his voice heavy with resolve.Preliminary reports suggest that poor visibility and turbulent weather played a critical role in the disaster.
The Himalayan region, known for its unpredictable climate, has witnessed several aviation incidents in recent months, raising concerns about the safety of helicopter operations during the Char Dham Yatra season. Just a week ago, a Kestrel Aviation helicopter made an emergency landing in Rudraprayag due to a technical snag, narrowly averting a catastrophe. For the families of the victims, the news is unbearable. “They were so excited to visit Kedarnath,” sobbed a relative of one of the passengers, speaking to THE INDIA WIRE from Dehradun. “How could this happen?” The identities of the deceased are yet to be officially released, pending confirmation from authorities.The tragedy comes on the heels of another devastating incident—an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed 240 lives. The back-to-back disasters have sparked nationwide calls for stricter aviation safety protocols, with experts urging a thorough review of operations in high-risk zones like Uttarakhand. As rescue teams battle the elements to recover the wreckage, the nation holds its breath, praying for closure for the grieving families. The Kedarnath Temple, a symbol of faith and resilience, now stands as a somber backdrop to this unfathomable loss. THE INDIA WIRE will continue to bring you updates as this story unfolds.
