Helicopter Crash Near Kedarnath: 7 onboard, including infant, killed

Helicopter Crash Near Kedarnath: A major accident occurred near Kedarnath on Sunday morning, June 15, when a helicopter belonging to Aryan Aviation crashed between Triyuginarayan and Gaurikund. According to IANS reports, seven people were onboard, including a 23-month-old infant and the pilot, at the time of the crash. All lost their lives. Authorities have cited poor visibility and adverse weather conditions as the major causes of the accident, which took place on the Kedarnath road, triggering panic in the area.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami expresses grief over the Gaurikund helicopter crash. In a post on social media X, he wrote, Very sad news has been received about a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local administration and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety of all the travellers.

जनपद रुद्रप्रयाग में हेलीकॉप्टर के दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होने का अत्यंत दुःखद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ है। एसडीआरएफ, स्थानीय प्रशासन एवं अन्य रेस्क्यू दल राहत एवं बचाव कार्यों में जुटे हैं।

बाबा केदार से सभी यात्रियों के सकुशल होने की कामना करता हूँ।

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) June 15, 2025

What happened?

The chopper went down in a densely forested region near Gauri Mai Khark during its short 10-minute flight, crashing between Gaurikund and Sonprayag around 5:20 am.

According to a statement issued by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), the victims included six pilgrims -- five adults and an infant -- hailing from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

The pilot was also among the deceased.

Fifth aviation-related incident

This marks the fifth aviation-related incident since the portals of the Kedarnath temple were opened on May 2.

On June 7, a separate helicopter developed a technical fault during take-off and was forced to make an emergency landing on the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund highway.

The tail rotor hit a parked car, and the helicopter came dangerously close to nearby buildings. Fortunately, all five pilgrims on board were unharmed, though the pilot sustained minor injuries.

With the inputs of IANS