“A rescue team was immediately dispatched to the crash site to assess the situation. We urge the public not to spread rumors about any fatalities or injuries,”
This incident follows a previous emergency involving the same helicopter on May 24, when it made a hard landing near Kedarnath due to a technical fault. At that time, seven people, including six pilgrims, narrowly escaped harm thanks to the pilot’s quick thinking, which allowed the helicopter to land safely in an open field.
The helicopter, operated by a private company, had been used to ferry passengers to the Kedarnath temple. The plan was to transport it to the Gauchar airstrip using the MI-17 for necessary repairs. However, the towing rope snapped, leading to the crash near the Mandakini River in Lincholi.
The Chardham Yatra, which began on May 10, has seen a significant drop in pilgrim numbers since July 31 due to heavy rainfall and landslides, which caused extensive damage to the trek route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Despite these challenges, pilgrims have continued to visit the temple via helicopter services.
The accident, caught on camera, has raised concerns about the safety of aerial operations in the region, especially in light of the challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain. However, officials have reassured that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims and personnel involved in such operations.