Helicopter crash in Kedarnath: As many as six people, including two pilots, have died in a helicopter crash near Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath. The incident took place in Garud Chatti, approximately 2km from Kedarnath.
It took off from Guptkashi and was on its way to Kedarnath. The Aryan Aviation helicopter had taken off from the Phata helipad at Guptkashi and was on its way to Kedarnath. It was set to cover a distance of 33 km.
According to reports, the helicopter caught fire above Garud Chatti. The cause of the fire is not known. Rescue teams are on the spot and an investigation will soon begin.
Located at high altitude, the weather in the Kedarnath pilgrimage area is often unpredictable. While the majority of pilgrims trek the arduous route from Guptkashi to Kedarnath, those who can afford to use various helicopter services go for it.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed his anguish over the incident. Six people, including a pilot, were killed after a helicopter carrying the pilgrims crashed near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand today, officials have said. The helicopter crashed near Garu Chatti, they said, adding that six bodies have been recovered so far and a rescue operation is underway.
