SIX K!LLED IN HELICOPTER CRASH DURING PILGRIMAGE TO CHAR DHAM
In a tragic turn of events, six people, including a pilot, lost their lives after a helicopter ferrying pilgrims crashed into a mountainside in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India.
The aircraft, operated by Aero Trans Service Pvt Ltd, was en route from the Sahastradhara helipad to Kharsali along the Gangotri route when it came down in a densely forested area near Gangnani, around 8:40 AM on Thursday, May 8.
Authorities have confirmed that all six occupants—four men, two women, and the pilot identified as Captain Robin Singh—were killed in the crash. One individual reportedly survived with injuries and is receiving medical attention.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local residents near the Ganganani Nagraja Temple reported hearing a loud sound as the helicopter crashed into a tree before plunging into the mountainside. Many rushed to the site before official rescue teams arrived, sifting through the wreckage in hopes of finding survivors.
Pilgrimage Turned Fatal
The passengers were said to be part of the Char Dham Yatra, a highly revered pilgrimage to four sacred Hindu shrines in the Himalayas. The crash occurred in challenging terrain, which made access for emergency services difficult.
Government Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, offering prayers for the victims and directing immediate rescue and relief efforts. He also emphasized the state’s ongoing commitment to the safety of pilgrims.
“May God grant peace to the souls of those who died in the accident and give strength to the bereaved families. An investigation has been ordered, and all possible help is being extended to the injured,” the Chief Minister stated in a message shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Dhami further assured the public that steps are being taken each year to enhance the safety and experience of the Chardham Yatra, which continues to see record numbers of devotees.
Ongoing Investigation
The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined. Authorities, including the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi, are on-site conducting investigations to uncover what led to the fatal crash.
