Uttarakhand chopper crash: PM Modi speaks to CM Dhami, assures support from Centre

ANI June 15, 2025 266 views

PM Modi expressed condolences and assured support to Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami after a fatal helicopter crash near Kedarnath. Seven people, including an infant, died in the incident. A high-level probe has been initiated, with poor visibility suspected as a contributing factor. The Centre pledged full cooperation in relief and investigation efforts.

"Prime Minister prayed for the strength to bear this loss to the families of the deceased." – Uttarakhand CMO
Dehradun, June 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash in the state.

Key Points

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PM Modi assured full central support to CM Dhami

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High-level inquiry ordered into Kedarnath crash

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Seven killed including infant and crew

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Poor visibility suspected as cause

As per an official statement from Uttarakhand Chief Minister office, Chief Minister Dhami informed the Prime Minister that a high-level meeting was held immediately after the incident and instructions have been given to probe the incident.

"Prime Minister prayed for the strength to bear this loss to the families of the deceased. He assured all possible cooperation from the central government. Chief Minister Dhami informed the Prime Minister that a high-level meeting has been held immediately after the incident. Instructions have been given to constitute a high-level inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the causes of the accident. Also, a Command and Coordination Center will be set up for better coordination and quick action," as per a statement from Uttarakhand Chief Minister office.

A helicopter crashed in the Kedarnath sector in which seven people on board the helicopter, died on the spot.

Five adults, one infant and one crew member were on board the Aryan Aviation's Bell 407 helicopter operating in the "Shri Kedarnath Ji - Aryan Helipad, Guptkashi" sector that crashed on Sunday, the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement.

The helicopter took off from Guptkashi at 05:10 am and landed at Shri Kedarnath Ji Helipad at 05:18 am before departing again at 05:19 am for Guptkashi and is reported to have crashed near Gaurikund between 05:30 am to 05:45 am, the statement said.

The ministry said that preliminary indications suggest that the probable cause of the crash may be Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), with the helicopter reportedly airborne despite poor visibility and extensive clouding at the valley entry area. The exact cause will be determined through a detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Very sad news. The Kedarnath route is always challenging for choppers. Authorities must implement stricter weather monitoring systems before allowing flights. My heart goes out to the families, especially the infant who lost their life. 🙏
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Priya M.
Good to see quick response from both state and central government. But we need permanent solutions - better navigation tech, mandatory weather checks, and pilot training specific to Himalayan conditions. These accidents happen too often.
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Amit S.
The infant's death is heartbreaking. Why was a baby allowed on such an early morning flight in unpredictable weather? There should be clear guidelines about who can travel on these pilgrim helicopters. Safety first, always.
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Sunita R.
As someone who has taken this route before, I can say the views are breathtaking but the turbulence is scary. Operators often rush to complete maximum trips. Government should cap daily flights per chopper and make rest periods mandatory for pilots.
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Vikram J.
While PM's assurance is appreciated, we need action. The Char Dham routes see hundreds of chopper sorties daily during season. Time to upgrade entire fleet with terrain warning systems and night vision capabilities. Can't keep losing lives like this.
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Neha T.
This tragedy shows our infrastructure gaps. Instead of just more choppers, why not build better roads or cable cars for pilgrim routes? Safer options exist worldwide. We must think long-term for devotees' safety. #UttarakhandTragedy

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Tags:
Uttarakhand helicopter crash PM Modi Pushkar Singh Dhami Kedarnath Aryan Aviation Bell 407 crash