1 killed, pilots injured in helicopter accident in Badrinath

All five passengers are reportedly safe

NEW DELHI: A crew member was killed and two pilots suffered injuries when a helicopter carrying pilgrims met with an accident while taking off from the Himalayan shrine of Badrinath in Uttarakhand today. All the five passengers are reportedly safe. An official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Delhi said that an engineer, who was part of the crew, died in the accident, while the two pilots suffered injuries. Chamoli Superintendent of Police, Tripti Bhatt said on the phone that the engineer was hit by rotor blades. The police officer said the helicopter lost its balance while taking off due to insufficient air pressure and fell down. The Agusta 119 helicopter, belonging to Mumbai-based private operator Krestal Aviation, was on its way from Badrinath to Haridwar. The DGCA said it is investigating the matter. Further details awaited