Dehradun: Tragedy struck Uttarkashi district this morning as a helicopter carrying seven passengers crashed near Ganganani on the Gangotri National Highway, leaving six dead and one injured.
Following the incident, the Kedarnath helicopter service was immediately suspended, causing difficulties for pilgrims and travelers relying on aerial transportation.
The crash & immediate response
At 8:45 AM, authorities received distress reports about a helicopter crash near Ganganani. The ill-fated aircraft, operated by Aerotrans Company, had taken off from Sahastradhara helipad for Harshil when the accident occurred. Onboard passengers included four individuals from Mumbai and two from Andhra Pradesh, along with the pilot. In this incident, six people died on the spot, while one survivor remains critically injured. Afterwards, disaster relief teams, including police, SDRF, fire department, and medical personnel, rushed to the scene for rescue efforts.
Suspension of Kedarnath helicopter service
In response to the tragedy, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) halted all Kedarnath helicopter services, impacting passengers waiting at Guptkashi, Sirsi, and Phata helipads. With no alternative transport immediately available, many travelers have begun their journey on foot, facing treacherous weather and mountainous terrain. Passengers stranded at key helipads express concern over the sudden suspension. However, a person from Rudraksh aviation company, said that it was a temporary halt and now we are going to resume the services very soon.
Government action & public reaction
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event, stating, “The loss of lives in this accident is heartbreaking. May the departed souls rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to overcome this grief.” The CM assured immediate aid for survivors and ordered an investigation into the crash, ensuring strict safety evaluations before restarting flight operations.
Safety & future considerations
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of helicopter services in Uttarakhand, especially for high-altitude religious routes. Officials are now reviewing safety protocols and aircraft conditions to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Authorities have urged travelers to delay aerial journeys until further notice. An official probe is underway to determine the cause of the crash. Pilgrims are advised to check for official updates before heading to helipads. Rescue teams remain stationed at accident sites to assist affected travelers.
