Helicopter Crash close Kedarnath,Uttarakhand,All 7 Dead

KEDARNATH- A tragic helicopter crash near the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand on Sunday, June 15, 2025, killed all seven individuals aboard, including a child.

The aircraft, operated by Aryan Aviation, was en route from Kedarnath (IATA: IXB – nearest airport Bagdogra) to Guptkashi when it went down near Gaurikund, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Photo: SDRF

Helicopter Crash in Kedarnath

This marks the fifth helicopter-related incident in Uttarakhand in the past 40 days, raising growing concerns over the safety of aerial pilgrimage services in the Char Dham region.

The helicopter, belonging to Aryan Aviation Pvt. Ltd., crashed between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan in the Kedarghati valley shortly after takeoff from Kedarnath, bursting into flames upon impact.

The aircraft involved in the crash is likely VT-SIM Eurocopter AS365, originally known as Aérospatiale SA 365 Dauphin 2.

According to a statement by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the helicopter had departed from Guptkashi at 05:10 IST, landed at Shri Kedarnath Ji helipad at 05:18, and took off again at 05:19 before crashing en route to Guptkashi.

There were five passengers, one infant, and one crew member onboard. All were confirmed dead by Hemant Dwivedi, the head of the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee.

Photo: X user

DGCA and State Government Response

In response, the DGCA confirmed that helicopter flight frequency in the Char Dham region had already been reduced as a precaution.

Enhanced surveillance is currently underway, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will lead a formal investigation into the crash.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences and quickly convened a high-level emergency meeting with senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Civil Aviation Secretary, and DGCA representatives.

CM Dhami stressed the need for strict enforcement of operational standards and technical checks before flight operations.

SOP and Technical Review

A committee of aviation technical experts is being formed under the directive of the Chief Secretary to draft a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

The SOP will mandate thorough technical inspections and weather condition assessments prior to any helicopter flight. The goal is to standardize and strictly monitor the safety parameters of all commercial helicopter operations within the state.

CM Dhami also directed that the high-level committee previously formed to investigate past helicopter incidents will now review the June 15 crash as part of a consolidated probe. The committee will examine causes, assign accountability, and propose actionable recommendations to improve aviation safety and prevent future tragedies.

The Uttarakhand government acknowledged the essential role of helicopter services in religious tourism, disaster relief, and emergency response across its mountainous terrain. Officials reiterated that while air connectivity is vital, safety will remain the top priority going forward.

Stringent SOPs, technical vetting, and pre-flight weather analysis are expected to be implemented immediately, alongside the final recommendations of the investigation committees.

Photo: PM Narendra Modi X Handle

Air India Crash

This incident occurred three days after Air India (AI) Boeing 787 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport (AMD).

A devastating crash involving Air India (AI) has resulted in 241 fatalities out of 242 passengers and crew aboard. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was operating an international route when it crashed near its destination city.

The only survivor, a British national of Indian origin, was seated in seat 11A near the emergency exit. The tragic crash occurred near a densely populated area, with the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) later found atop a hostel building close to the wreckage site.

Among the passengers on board the ill-fated Air India (AI) flight was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who died in the incident.

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