New Delhi: Distressing news has emerged from Uttarakhand, where a helicopter has crashed. The helicopter was en route from Badrinath Dham to Phata in the Chamoli district. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Chayi village, located behind Hathi Pahar, near Joshimath. The wreckage of the helicopter has not yet been located; local administrative teams are actively engaged in a search operation.
Senior officials have departed for the site upon receiving news of the crash. State disaster management teams have also arrived and are searching for the helicopter, though its precise location remains unknown. It is not yet possible to confirm the number of casualties. Poor weather conditions are significantly hindering the search operation.
How many people were on board?
The crash has caused a stir in the area. Administrative officials and disaster management teams are on-site, conducting a search. According to UCAD, there were six people on board, including the pilot, Captain Himanshu. The passenger manifest lists five individuals: Pratapa, Arun, Shankar Gowda, Sudhir K., and H.S. Nataraj.
Rescue efforts hampered by rain and dense clouds
The area where the incident occurred is experiencing persistent rain, with heavy, dark clouds covering the sky. Low visibility is making it difficult to trace the helicopter’s location. Disaster management teams are currently searching the area between Badrinath and Joshimath. Information regarding the exact number of people on board and their current status has not yet been confirmed.
Health department teams have also been deployed.
Following the crash, administrative presence in the area has been intensified. Teams from the Army, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the police, and the health department have reached the suspected site of the incident. According to Chandrashekhar Vashishth, the SDM of Joshimath, reports of a helicopter crash have been received, and these are currently being verified.
He stated that some suspicious objects have been spotted in the .area, raising concerns that a helicopter may have crashed. Teams from the Army, SDRF, police, and the health department are en route to the site. The SDM mentioned that he is also heading to the location himself. The situation will become clearer once further information is received from the scene.
What did the state’s Chief Minister say?
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed his grief over the helicopter crash in Joshimath. He stated that reports have been received regarding the unfortunate crash of a helicopter near Chayi village, close to Joshimath.
The district administration, the Disaster Management Department, and SDRF teams are conducting a joint rescue operation. The Chief Minister added that he is closely monitoring the entire situation. He has issued instructions to immediately airlift those who are critically injured to a higher-level medical facility for better treatment.
