Seven Killed in Helicopter Crash During Kedarnath Pilgrimage

Photo: PTI

Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand — A devastating crash early Sunday morning claimed the lives of seven people aboard a Bell 407 helicopter operating on the Kedarnath–Guptkashi route. Among the deceased were the pilot, a 2-year-old child, and five pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The helicopter lost contact shortly after takeoff from Kedarnath and went down near Gaurikund, just minutes later, around 5:30 am local time.

Weather conditions at the time were ominous: dense fog and severe cloud cover had blanketed the valley, sharply reducing visibility. Initial reports indicate that poor weather contributed to a controlled flight into terrain, despite the pilot’s attempt to steer clear . Following the crash, a fire erupted, completely engulfing the wreck and severely burning the bodies, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

Rescue operations were swiftly mobilized. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and local authorities trekked over challenging terrain for nearly five kilometers to reach the crash site, located at approximately 9,000 feet altitude. The difficult rescue mission concluded with confirmation that there were no survivors.

This incident marks the fifth helicopter-related accident along the Char Dham Yatra route since the pilgrimage began on April 30. Earlier mishaps included emergency landings and a fatal crash in Uttarkashi on May 8 that killed six people. The frequency of accidents has prompted widespread alarm among pilgrims and authorities.

Responding to the tragedy, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his grief on social media and immediately ordered a high‑level inquiry. He instructed the Chief Secretary to establish a committee of aviation and meteorology experts to craft rigorous standard operating procedures, focusing on technical checks and strict weather assessment protocols.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a directive to suspend all operations by Aryan Aviation—the operator involved—and mandated oversight by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a full investigation into causes and procedural compliance.

In parallel, Uttarakhand’s DGCA is enforcing new measures, including live tracking of helicopter flights, spot inspections, and a freeze on flights under poor visibility conditions, alongside a temporary reduction in flight frequency. Pilots designated for high-altitude routes must now meet higher experience criteria.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

Public reaction has been sombre. Pilgrims, concerned about their safety, await clarity on revised safety norms. Aviation experts warn that while demanding terrain and sudden weather shifts are inherent to Himalayan operations, commercial pressures may force risky flights. This has fuelled calls for stronger regulatory oversight .

As investigators dig into flight data, cockpit recordings, and weather logs, stakeholders aim to prevent future tragedies. Meanwhile, authorities are bolstering helicopter service protocols, prioritizing human life over schedule. The valley’s quivering hearts now hope these reforms bring lasting safety to those undertaking this sacred pilgrimage.