Pilot among seven killed as helicopter carrying Kedarnath pilgrims crashes in Uttarakhand

All seven people on board, including the pilot, have been confirmed dead in the chopper crash that took place just about 3 km from Kedarnath. The chopper crashed at Garud Chatti, nearly 2 km from the Kedarnath Dham shrine and caught fire. Soon after the tragic incident, the administration team has left for relief and rescue work.

As many as 7 people, including pilot, were killed after a helicopter carrying Kedarnath pilgrims from Phata village in Uttarakhand crashed on Tuesday. The incident took place in Garud Chatti, approximately 2km from Kedarnath.  The chopper crashed moments after taking off from the Kedarnath Dham, as per initial reports.

All seven people on board, including the pilot, have been confirmed dead in the chopper crash that took place just about 3 km from Kedarnath. Aryan Aviation's Bell-407 helicopter (VT-RPN).

Speaking to reporters, C Ravi Shankar, CEO, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority said that seven people died in the crash. He also said that the incident took place around 11:40am. The chopper took place from Kedarnath and was heading towards Guptkashi. The cause of the accident will be known after a proper investigation.

Rescue teams reached the spot to recover bodies, however, it is learnt that poor weather conditions accompanied by snowfall were hampering the operation. Although the exact reason for the crash is yet unknown, reports indicate that severe weather conditions, including fog and limited visibility, may have contributed.

Massive cloud of smoke was visible in the crash's aftermath in early images taken on the scene.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, the aviation minister, tweeted about the incident and stated that the issue is being closely watched.

According to reports, nine private helicopter services are in use on the routes that take pilgrims from the ghati to the Kedarnath shrine. In the Rudraprayag region, pilgrims can take a helicopter flight from Guptkashi, Phata, or Sirsi to the Kedarnath temple.