Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash: A helicopter with pilgrims on board has crashed near Kedarnath killing all seven people on board. C Ravi Shankar, CEO of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority has confirmed the number of casualties.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered a detailed probe into the crash. According to the DGCA, the Aryan Aviation Bell-407 helicopter took off with five passengers from the Kedarnath Dham for GuptKashi.
"Seven people died in the crash. The incident took place around 11:40 am. The chopper took place from Kedarnath and was heading towards Guptkashi. The cause of the accident will be known after a proper investigation," the official told news agency ANI.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences over the helicopter crash and said, "The SDRF and district administration teams have reached the spot for relief and rescue work. A detailed inquiry has been ordered into this tragic incident."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted and said, "Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families."
Home Minister Amit Shah has also expressed sorrow over the incident and condolences for the kin of the victims. President Draupadi Murmu also tweeted about the tragic crash and expressed her condolences for the bereaved families.
The chopper burst into flames near Jungle Chatti, en route to the shrine amid fog and poor visibility, sources said. Medical personnel have been deployed at the spot.