Helicopter crashes in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath; operations suspended pending safety review

A tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand on Sunday morning claimed seven lives, including an infant and the pilot. The helicopter operating on the Kedarnath–Guptkashi sector, is believed to have crashed near the Gaurikund area between 5:30 and 5:45 AM due to poor weather conditions.

The aircraft had taken off from Guptkashi at 5:10 AM, landed briefly at Kedarnath at 5:18 AM, and departed again at 5:19 AM. Preliminary findings suggest that the accident may have been caused by Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), as the helicopter flew into an area with low visibility and heavy cloud cover. A detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is underway.

Rescue operations are being carried out by NDRF and SDRF teams at the crash site. Following the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a high-level emergency meeting with officials from the state government, DGCA, and Civil Aviation Ministry.

In response, Aryan Aviation’s operations for the Char Dham Yatra have been suspended immediately. Additionally, the licenses of two pilots from TransBharat Aviation, found flying in similarly unsuitable weather conditions, have been suspended for six months.

All helicopter operations in the region have been halted on June 15 and 16 as a precautionary measure. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has been directed to conduct a comprehensive safety review with all operators and establish a Command-and-Control Room for real-time monitoring of flights.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has emphasized that aviation safety is paramount, instructing DGCA to strictly enforce weather-related and operational protocols and ensure full compliance to prevent further tragedies.

Related India News

Congress Condemns Israel's Bombing and Targeted Killings in Iran

By Jagadananda Pradhan (Fast Mail):--The Congress party on Sunday condemned Israel's recent "bombing and targeted killings" in Iran, stating that the attack on Iran's sovereignty and violation of its rights will escalate instability and sow the seeds for future conflict. The Congress....

NEET UG 2025 Results Declared: Rajasthan’s Mahesh Keswani Tops, Madhya Pradesh’s Utkarsh Avadhiya Secures Second Place

(Fast Mail):-- The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the results of the NEET-UG medical entrance examination. Rajasthan’s Mahesh Keswani secured the top position, while Madhya Pradesh’s Utkarsh Avadhiya came in second. Among girls, Delhi’s Avika Agarwal topped, achi....

PM Modi to visit Republic of Cyprus,Canada and Croatia from 15-19th June, 2025

NEW DELHI: At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Cyprus on 15-16 June, 2025. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. While in....

Priyanka Gandhi slams Modi govt for abstaining from UN motion on Gaza

By Jagadananda Pradhan (Fast Mail):-- Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday,slammed the BJP government, saying that our government's decision to abstain on the UN motion for the protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations in Gaza is &ldq....

Congress Criticizes Home Minister on Ahmedabad Crash: 'Promise Accountability, Not Lectures on Fate'

(Fast Mail):--The Congress party expressed grief on Friday over the loss of more than 200 lives in the Ahmedabad plane crash and stated that Home Minister Amit Shah, after visiting the site, could have promised accountability instead of delivering "lectures on fate." Shah had reached....