Kedarnath, Uttarakhand – June 15, 2025: A tragic helicopter crash near the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand claimed the lives of all seven people on board early Sunday morning. The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd, took off from Kedarnath at 5:30 AM en route to Guptkashi but crashed shortly after takeoff between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan in the Kedarghati region.
Victims and Rescue Efforts
The victims included six pilgrims and the pilot, identified as Captain Rajveer Singh Chauhan, who had recently become a father to twins. The passengers hailed from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were dispatched to the crash site.
Possible Causes and Investigation
Officials suspect poor visibility due to adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the accident. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has launched an investigation into the incident, and all Char Dham yatra helicopter operations by Aryan Aviation have been suspended.
Recent Aviation Incidents
This crash follows a series of aviation mishaps in the region, including a Kestrel Aviation helicopter emergency landing on June 7 and a private helicopter crash near Gangotri on May 8. Additionally, the incident comes just days after the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in 241 fatalities.
Authorities are urging operators to exercise extreme caution when flying in the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather of Uttarakhand. Further updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days.
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