No possibility of anyone surviving: Garhwal Division Commissioner after helicopter crashes in Uttarakhand's Gaurikund

ANI June 15, 2025 463 views

A helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed in Uttarakhand’s Gaurikund shortly after takeoff from Kedarnath. Officials confirmed no survivors among the seven onboard, including a child and a BKTC employee. Rescue operations are hampered by dense forests and bad weather conditions. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed sorrow and assured full support for relief efforts.

"According to the information received from locals, there is no possibility of anyone surviving." – Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey
Dehradun, June 15: A helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation, flying from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, crashed in the dense forests of Gaurikund under Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand on Sunday morning, according to Uttarakhand police.

Key Points

1

Aryan Aviation helicopter crashed near Gaurikund after takeoff from Kedarnath

2

Bad weather suspected as cause with 7 onboard including a child

3

NDRF and SDRF teams face challenges in rescue due to dense forest terrain

4

Uttarakhand CM Dhami expresses grief and monitors relief efforts

The chopper, with seven people on board, including the pilot, crashed shortly after takeoff in Kedarnath. According to preliminary information, bad weather is being considered as the possible cause of this accident as per a release by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said, "... A helicopter of Aryan Company took off from Kedarnath around 5 am for Guptkashi. But it crashed on the way, near Gaurikund. This place is a 7 km trekking route. NDRF and SDRF teams have been sent there... According to the information received from locals, there is no possibility of anyone surviving. There were six people in this helicopter, including the pilot Chauhan. One of the passengers was a child, and one was a BKTC (Shri Badarinath Kedarnath Temples Committee) employee..."

SDRF and NDRF teams were immediately dispatched to the spot and relief and rescue operations have begun. The rescue operation remains challenging as the incident spot is in a difficult and inaccessible forest area.

Rahul Choubey, District Tourism Officer, Rudraprayag, said that five adults and a 23-month-old child, along with and a pilot were in the helicopter. The pilot tried to get the helicopter out of the valley as the weather worsened, but it crashed, he said.

Choubey further said "He got the information in the morning that a helicopter operating from Aryan Aviation, Guptkashi, crashed while returning from Kedarnath. Five adult passengers, one 23-month-old child and a pilot were in the helicopter. The weather worsened, and in an attempt to get the helicopter out of the valley, it crashed. The investigation is going on."

According to V Murugeshan, ADG Law and Order, the helicopter lost contact with radar in the early hours of June 15 while flying between Trijuginarayan and Gaurikund. The wreckage was later found near Gaurikund along the Kedarnath pilgrimage route.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed grief over the incident.

In a post on social media X, the CM wrote that State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, local administration, and other rescue teams are engaged in the relief and rescue operations.

"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," the post read.

Dhami further said that his prayers are for the safety of all travellers. "I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety of all the travellers," he said.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is heartbreaking news 😢 The Kedarnath route is already so challenging, and now this tragedy. My deepest condolences to all families affected. The government must conduct a thorough safety audit of all helicopter services in hilly areas.
P
Priya M.
Why are helicopters allowed to fly in bad weather conditions? There should be stricter regulations, especially for pilgrimage routes where many families travel. That poor 23-month-old child... can't even imagine what the parents must be going through.
A
Amit S.
The pilot was clearly trying his best to navigate through bad weather. These mountain flights require exceptional skill. Instead of blaming, we should appreciate the rescue teams working in such difficult terrain. Jai Uttarakhand! 🙏
N
Neha T.
This is why I always prefer the traditional trek to Kedarnath. Helicopter services have become too commercialized, compromising on safety. The Char Dham yatra should be about spirituality, not luxury travel. My prayers for all souls.
V
Vikram J.
The Uttarakhand government must invest in better weather monitoring systems along pilgrimage routes. Many tourists don't understand mountain weather patterns. Prevention is better than such tragic aftermaths. #SafetyFirst
S
Sunita R.
So painful to hear about the child... as a mother, this news has shaken me. The government should make mandatory safety briefings for families with small children opting for helicopter services. Om Shanti to all departed souls.
K
Karan P.
While accidents happen, the frequency in Uttarakhand is concerning. Maybe time to reconsider

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Tags:
Uttarakhand helicopter crash Aryan Aviation Kedarnath Gaurikund Vinay Shankar Pandey Pushkar Singh Dhami