Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand), June 7:
A helicopter carrying seven people, including the pilot, crash-landed in Badasu village of Rudraprayag district on Tuesday morning. The aircraft, en route to the Kedarnath shrine, experienced a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff from Sirsi helipad and was forced to make an emergency landing.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 7:15 AM. All passengers on board escaped with minor injuries, and no casualties were reported. Local villagers rushed to the spot and assisted in the evacuation before emergency teams arrived.
District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar confirmed that the passengers received immediate medical attention and are in stable condition. “The pilot acted swiftly and ensured a safe landing in an open area near Badasu. We are taking all necessary steps to support the passengers,” he said.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken cognizance of the incident and ordered a detailed investigation. A technical team has been sent to the site to determine the cause of the malfunction. Preliminary reports suggest a mechanical failure, though officials have not yet issued a formal statement on the cause.
The helicopter belonged to a private aviation company operating during the Char Dham Yatra. With the Kedarnath Yatra currently underway, helicopter services in the region are in high demand due to the difficult trekking routes and high footfall of pilgrims.
The incident has once again raised concerns over aviation safety in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand. Experts have highlighted the need for strict adherence to maintenance schedules and operational guidelines, especially during the peak pilgrimage season.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed relief that all passengers were safe. In a social media post, he said, “Thank God for everyone’s safety. I have directed officials to carry out a thorough probe and ensure strict safety measures for all helicopter operations.”
The state government has also announced a safety audit of all helicopter operators serving the Char Dham circuit. Officials stated that increased monitoring and enforcement will be undertaken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Char Dham Yatra sees lakhs of devotees each year, with Kedarnath being one of the most visited shrines. Helicopter services have become a preferred mode of transport for many pilgrims, making air safety a critical issue for authorities.
The DGCA is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days.
