Helicopter carrying Kedarnath pilgrims crashes, 7 including pilot dead so far

A helicopter carrying Kedarnath pilgrims from Uttarakhand’s Phata area has crashed. Seven people including six passengers and a pilot have been reported dead due to the helicopter crash so far, according to the local authorities. A local administration team has left for relief and rescue work at the spot, news agency ANI reported. Further details are awaited and rescue operations are underway. 

Soon after the incident, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami tweeted, "Very sad news has been received of some casualties in the unfortunate helicopter crash at Garuda Chatti near Kedarnath. SDRF and district administration teams have reached the spot for relief and rescue work. A detailed inquiry has been ordered into this tragic incident."

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia took to Twitter to condole the loss of lives in the incident. He also assured people that the Centre is monitoring the situation as it evolves. Scindia tweeted, “The helicopter crash in Kedarnath is extremely unfortunate. We are in touch with the state government to ascertain the magnitude of the loss, and are constantly monitoring the situation.”

After Scindia, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives in the tragic incident. President Murmu tweeted, "The news of the death of many pilgrims including the pilot in the helicopter crash near Kedarnath Dham is very sad. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones."

Prime Minister Modi tweeted, "Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families in a tweet. Shah tweeted in Hindi, "The incident of the crash of the helicopter carrying the pilgrims in Kedarnath is very sad. I express my condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in this accident. May God give them the strength to bear this grief."

“Shocked to hear about the casualties of devotees in the helicopter crash in Kedarnath. I pray to Baba Kedarnath to give place to all the departed souls at his feet and give strength to the bereaved family members to bear this unbearable pain. Peace,” Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted.