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🚁 Kedarnath Helicopter Crash Kills 7 Pilgrims, Including Infant – Weather Suspected Cause
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | 15 June 2025
In a devastating incident early Monday morning, a helicopter ferrying pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi crashed near Junglechatti, close to Gaurikund in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. All seven passengers, including a toddler, have been confirmed dead.
🔴 Tragedy Strikes During Holy Yatra
The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, lost control around 5:30 AM IST, just minutes after take-off. Onboard were five pilgrims, a pilot, and a 23-month-old child, all of whom perished in the fiery crash. Initial visuals showed the chopper engulfed in flames soon after the impact.
According to early reports, the crash occurred due to sudden bad weather and poor visibility in the valley — a common hazard in the treacherous mountain terrain during monsoon season.
🕵️♂️ DGCA Orders Investigation
Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), have ordered a full-scale investigation into the crash. Technical teams from Aryan Aviation and local disaster response forces were rushed to the scene.
The Uttarakhand government, under CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, has directed an urgent review of helicopter safety protocols and mandated a fresh technical audit of all aircraft operating on the Char Dham route.
“Deeply pained by the tragic helicopter crash near Kedarnath. Instructions have been given to conduct immediate rescue and investigation. We pray for peace for the departed souls,” tweeted CM Dhami.
🧭 Victims’ Identities & Where They Were From
The deceased pilgrims hailed from different parts of India:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Uttarakhand
- The infant was travelling with her parents, both of whom were also killed in the crash.
Identification and coordination with the families are ongoing, with help desks set up at Guptkashi and Kedarnath base.
📉 Safety Concerns Mount: 5 Crashes in 40 Days
This tragic incident marks the fifth air mishap in the Char Dham Yatra region in just 40 days—raising serious concerns over air safety standards, especially in high-risk weather zones.
In previous incidents, minor technical failures and misjudgment of mountainous terrain had been reported. Despite repeated advisories, commercial operators continue flights in low-visibility conditions, especially during early morning slots.
⛈️ Weather – The Main Suspect
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued weather alerts for Uttarakhand, including chances of thunderstorms and rain in the upper hills. Locals report the weather changed rapidly just before the crash.
“There was heavy cloud cover, and the sound of the chopper seemed irregular before it went silent,” said a Kedarnath trek guide who witnessed the crash.
🔧 CM Orders SOP Revisions for Char Dham Flights
In light of the tragedy, CM Dhami has:
- Ordered all helicopter services to undergo immediate reinspection
- Directed the Civil Aviation department to create stricter Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Asked private operators to suspend flights during low-visibility conditions without fail
💬 What Happens Next on Kedarnath helicopter crash ?
The DGCA will:
- Analyze black box data and flight communication logs
- Interview maintenance crew and inspect fleet history
- Submit a report within 10 days
Meanwhile, pilgrims scheduled for helicopter rides have been advised to remain in contact with tour operators and follow government advisories strictly.
🙏 Final Thoughts on kedarnath helicopter crash
The Kedarnath helicopter crash of June 15, 2025, is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in high-altitude aviation, especially during monsoon months. As families grieve and authorities investigate, a renewed focus on aviation safety and weather protocols is now a pressing priority to prevent such tragedies from repeating.