Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: Devotees Feared Dead

Even as the entire country is yet to come to terms with the tragic Air India Boeing crash that killed 250 people in Ahmedabad, yet another mid-air horror has struck the country, this time in the holy pilgrimage state of Uttarakhand. As per the latest reports, a helicopter carrying seven devotees from Dehradun to Kedarnath has crashed near Gaurikund, leaving five dead.

The Uttarakhand ADG Law and Order, Dr V Murugeshan, has confirmed that the helicopter, which went missing between Trijuginarayan and Gaurikund on Sunday morning at around 7:44 AM, crashed within a few minutes. Five out of seven people on board, including the pilot, are feared dead. 

It is being reported that the helicopter might have crashed due to bad weather conditions. The chopper had taken off at 5 AM with seven people onboard, including the pilot. Five deaths have been confirmed so far, and rescue operations are currently underway.

Reacting to the tragic incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami prayed for the safety of all the travelers. “Very sad news has been received about a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local administration, and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety of all the travellers,” CM Dhami posted on X.

According to the preliminary investigation, the tragedy occurred while the helicopter was en route to Kedarnath, a major pilgrimage site situated in the Upper Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Kedarnath is known for its difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.