A helicopter carrying Hindu pilgrims has crashed in northern India, killing all seven people on board.
The tragic accident occurred just minutes after takeoff during what was supposed to be a short, 10-minute flight to Guptkashi, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site in the Himalayas.
The crash took place in the early hours of the morning near Kedarnath, in the Uttarakhand state, a region known for its treacherous mountain terrain and unpredictable weather.
Details of the Incident
- Time of crash: Approximately 5:30 a.m. local time
- Operator: Aryan Aviation, a private helicopter service
- Location: Forested area several miles from the Kedarnath pilgrimage route
- Fatalities: All seven occupants, including the pilot and pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat
Authorities believe poor weather conditions played a key role in the crash. The bodies were reportedly badly burned due to a fire that broke out following the impact.
A search and rescue operation was promptly launched, and aviation authorities are expected to review operational protocols for flights in the region. Safety in the area is a growing concern due to frequent use of air travel by pilgrims visiting Kedarnath, one of the four holiest Hindu temple shrines.
A Pattern of Aviation Incidents
This latest tragedy comes just three days after an Air India flight crashed less than a minute after taking off from Ahmedabad airport, killing at least 270 people.
Uttarakhand, in particular, has seen multiple helicopter mishaps:
- Earlier this month: A helicopter made an emergency landing on a highway due to a technical fault. The pilot was injured, but all passengers survived.
- In May: A helicopter crashed in Uttarkashi district, killing six people, including the pilot. One person survived.
Helicopter services are widely used in the region due to the challenging terrain, but high-altitude flying and rapidly changing weather make the routes particularly dangerous.
