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Tragic Helicopter Crash in Uttarakhand Claims Seven Lives

A tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district has claimed the lives of seven individuals, including the pilot. The helicopter was transporting pilgrims for the Char Dham Yatra when it went down near Gaurikund. This incident marks the fifth helicopter accident in the region in just over a month, prompting state officials to review safety protocols for helicopter operations. The Chief Minister has ordered a committee to ensure that future flights adhere to stringent safety standards. Read on for more details about this unfortunate event and the ongoing investigations.
By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 15, 2025, 11:26 IST

Helicopter Accident in Rudraprayag District

On Sunday, a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district resulted in the deaths of seven individuals. The aircraft was transporting pilgrims participating in the Char Dham Yatra when it went down near Gaurikund, as reported by a local news source.

The helicopter, which was en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, lost contact around 5:20 AM, according to Inspector General (Law and Order) Nilesh Bharne. The incident occurred at Gauri Mai Khark, approximately five kilometers uphill from Gaurikund.

Among the deceased was the pilot, Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan from Jaipur. The other victims included Vikram Rawat from Uttarakhand, Vinod Devi and Trishti Singh from Uttar Pradesh, Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal from Gujarat, Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal, and a two-year-old named Kashi from Maharashtra.

The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority indicated that the BELL 407 helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation Private Limited, crashed under circumstances that remain unclear.

The Chief Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary to form a committee of technical experts to thoroughly assess all technical and safety aspects of helicopter operations and to establish the SOP. This committee aims to ensure that helicopter services are conducted safely, transparently, and in strict compliance with established standards.