Tragedy struck during a pilgrimage to Kedarnath temple as a helicopter ferrying seven people crashed into a forested area in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district. Among the deceased were six passengers and the pilot, with pilgrims from four different states on board. The crash occurred just 10 minutes into the journey, causing shock and grief among the pilgrims and authorities.
Despite making the journey easier for senior citizens and increasing accessibility to the Kedarnath shrine, helicopter services have been faced with controversy. With the recent tragedy of a helicopter crash near Gaurikund, concerns have been raised about the increasing number of flights and the safety regulations in place. The current state of helicopter operations and the guidelines issued by the DGCA highlight the ongoing debate surrounding this popular mode of transportation for pilgrims.
Just three days after the fatal Air India flight crash that claimed the lives of 270 people, another tragic incident has occurred in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. According to news reports, a helicopter carrying seven people, including a child, crashed in the jungles of Gaurikund while flying from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi. Preliminary reports suggest that bad weather may have caused the crash. The spot of the incident is difficult to access, making rescue operations challenging. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures and protocols in the Indian aviation industry.