Rudraprayag, June 15, 2025 — A tragic helicopter crash near Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, has claimed the lives of seven people, including the pilot and six passengers, on Sunday morning. The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, was en route from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi when it lost contact and crashed between Gaurikund and Triyuginarayan around 5:20 AM.
According to the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), the aircraft was carrying six pilgrims from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, in addition to the pilot. The cause of the crash is suspected to be poor weather and low visibility in the region.
Immediate Response and CM Dhami’s Action
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed that SDRF teams, local administration, and other emergency units have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“Very sad news has been received about a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local administration and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety of all the travellers.”
Following the incident, CM Dhami has ordered a full safety audit of heli services in Uttarakhand. He has directed the Chief Secretary to form a committee of technical experts to draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for heli-operations, including mandatory weather clearance and technical inspections before flights.
Recurring Concerns Over Heli Services in Uttarakhand
This tragic crash is the second such incident within weeks in the Char Dham region. The frequency of heli-tourism, combined with unpredictable mountainous weather, has raised concerns over passenger safety, technical preparedness, and flight scheduling.
Victims and Investigation
Initial reports confirm that all seven occupants are feared dead, although official confirmation and identification are awaited. Authorities have launched an investigation into technical faults, pilot communication logs, and weather data around the time of the crash.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for strict regulation and modern safety protocols for heli-tourism, particularly during the high-pilgrimage season in Uttarakhand.
FAQs: Kedarnath Helicopter Crash
Q1: Where did the helicopter crash take place?
A: The crash occurred between Gaurikund and Triyuginarayan in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district.
Q2: Which helicopter company was involved?
A: The helicopter was operated by Aryan Aviation, a private heli-tour operator.
Q3: How many people were onboard?
A: A total of seven people were onboard, including the pilot and six passengers.
Q4: What was the reason for the crash?
A: Preliminary reports suggest bad weather and low visibility may have contributed to the crash. A full investigation is underway.
Q5: What has the Uttarakhand government done in response?
A: CM Dhami has ordered relief operations and the formation of a technical committee to draft a strict SOP for heli services in the state.
Q6: Is heli travel safe in Uttarakhand?
A: While heli services are common for Char Dham Yatra, recent accidents have raised safety concerns. Authorities are working on new safety measures to address this.
