A helicopter carrying Char Dham pilgrims crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, early this morning, killing six people, including the pilot, and leaving one person injured.

In a tragic incident, a helicopter operated by Aero Trans Service Pvt Ltd crashed near Gangnani on the Gangotri route in Uttarkashi district.

The helicopter was en route from Dehradun to Kharsali near Yamunotri when it plummeted approximately 200-250 meters into a gorge.

Of the seven passengers on board, six lost their lives, including the pilot, Captain Robin Singh. The sole survivor was airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh for treatment, the Times of India reported.

The victims included four passengers from Mumbai and two from Andhra Pradesh, identified as Kala Soni (61), Vijaya Reddy (57), Ruchi Aggarwal (56) from Mumbai, Radha Aggarwal (79) from Uttar Pradesh, and Vedavati Kumari (48) from Andhra Pradesh. The pilot, Robin Singh, was 60 years old and from Gujarat.

The injured passenger, Bhaskar, aged 51, from Andhra Pradesh, is receiving medical attention.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences and is overseeing the response, instructing officials to investigate the crash’s cause India Today reported.

Rescue operations, involving police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire department, and medical teams, faced challenges due to the rugged terrain but successfully reached the site.

The Char Dham Yatra, encompassing Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage.

Helicopter services are popular for accessing these remote, high-altitude sites, but the region’s unpredictable weather and terrain pose risks.

Past incidents, such as a 2022 crash near Kedarnath, highlight ongoing safety concerns.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will probe the incident, with calls growing for enhanced safety protocols and regular maintenance checks to prevent future tragedies.

The loss has deeply affected the community, renewing focus on pilgrimage safety.

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