Tragedy Strikes Near Kedarnath: Helicopter Crash Claims 7 Lives, Char Dham Yatra Halted

Jagran Desk

In a tragic incident on Sunday morning, a helicopter carrying pilgrims from Kedarnath to Gaurikund crashed near the densely forested area of Gaurikund around 5:20 AM, resulting in the death of all seven people on board, including a two-year-old child from Maharashtra and the pilot.

The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, is believed to have taken off despite poor visibility in the valley due to dense clouds. Preliminary investigations suggest that weather conditions may have played a critical role in the crash. The aircraft burst into flames on impact, leaving the wreckage scattered across the forest floor.

Among the deceased are pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand, and pilot Rajveer Singh Chauhan, a resident of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Due to the extent of burns, identification of the bodies has become challenging, and DNA tests will be conducted to confirm identities before handing over remains to their families.

Helicopter Crash Victims Identified as:

Pilot Rajveer Singh – Jaipur, Rajasthan
Vikram Singh Rawat – Ukhimath, Uttarakhand
Vinod Devi – Uttar Pradesh
Trishti Singh – Uttar Pradesh
Rajkumar Suresh – Gujarat
Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal – Maharashtra
Kashi (2-year-old) – Maharashtra

Following the crash, helicopter services across the Char Dham Yatra route have been suspended. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that stricter aviation safety norms will be enforced going forward, including mandatory weather clearance and enhanced technical checks of aircraft before takeoff.

Simultaneously, a separate incident near Jungle Chatti disrupted the Kedarnath foot pilgrimage route. A landslide triggered by falling debris and rocks resulted in one fatality and damaged the main trail. Authorities have temporarily closed the Sonprayag to Kedarnath route until further notice.

Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF are ongoing. Security personnel are also ensuring the safety of pilgrims who had already begun their journey on foot prior to the closure.

Chief Minister Dhami expressed grief over the incident and assured that all necessary rescue and relief efforts are underway. He urged pilgrims to remain at safe locations and follow official instructions.