7 Killed in Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash During Kedarnath Flight
A tragic helicopter crash took place near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand on June 15, 2025, killing all seven people on board. The chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation, was flying from Kedarnath to Guptkashi as part of the Char Dham Yatra services when it went down in a forested area.
The victims included the pilot and six passengers, one of whom was a two-year-old child. The helicopter caught fire shortly after the crash, making rescue efforts extremely difficult. The bodies were found badly burnt, and officials confirmed that no one survived the accident.
Initial reports suggest that poor weather conditions, including thick fog and low visibility, may have caused the crash.
This is the fifth helicopter accident in the area within the past six weeks, raising major concerns about flight safety in the mountainous pilgrimage region.
In response to the tragedy, the Uttarakhand government has suspended all helicopter services to the Kedarnath valley until further notice. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a detailed investigation, and experienced teams from SDRF and NDRF were sent to the crash site.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also responded with strong steps. Aryan Aviation’s services have been suspended, and licenses of two pilots involved in earlier safety violations have been canceled for six months.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sadness over the loss and confirmed that a case has been filed against Aryan Aviation. He also stated that stricter rules and pilot training would be enforced for operating in tough mountain areas.
The central government and aviation authorities are reviewing current safety protocols for helicopter operations during the Char Dham Yatra to prevent further incidents.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
