6 Killed in Helicopter Crash in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, May 8  — At least six people lost their lives and several others were injured after a helicopter carrying pilgrims to the revered Gangotri Dham crashed in Uttarkashi district on Thursday morning, officials confirmed.

The chopper had seven people onboard, including the pilot. While six bodies have been recovered, one passenger miraculously survived.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.

State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi reported that the crash occurred near the Gangnani area around 8:50 am. Teams led by chief constable Naveen Kumar from the Bhatwadi post and sub-inspector Pushkar Jeena from the Ujeli post were quickly dispatched.

Upon arrival, the SDRF team discovered the wreckage deep inside a gorge and promptly set up a base to launch the rescue operation.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority, the helicopter carried six pilgrims and the pilot. The deceased included pilot Robin Singh, while one passenger was found alive.

The helicopter, operated by Aero Trans Services Private Limited, was registered as VT-OXF. It was flying from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun to Kharsali helipad, with the pilgrims en route to Gangotri.

Chief Minister Dhami has instructed the administration to provide full support to the injured and ensure a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. “I am in constant contact with officials and closely monitoring the developments,” he stated.