Seven killed in Uttarakhand helicopter crash near Gaurikund on June 15, 2025. Victims include pilgrims and a child. CM Dhami orders probe, stricter SOPs.
⚠️ Tragedy in the Hills: 7 Killed in Helicopter Crash Near Kedarnath
In a devastating incident early morning on June 15, 2025, a helicopter ferrying pilgrims from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi crashed in a forested area between Gaurikund and Sonprayag in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. All seven people on board were charred to death, including five adult pilgrims, a 23-month-old child, and the pilot. This marks the fifth such aviation incident in Uttarakhand within just six weeks.
📍 What We Know So Far | Timeline of the Crash
Key Facts:
- Time of crash: Around 5:20 AM IST
- Flight route: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
- Helicopter operator: Aryan Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
- Total onboard: 7 (5 adults, 1 child, 1 pilot)
- Crash site: Forested area between Gaurikund and Sonprayag
- Victims: All seven charred to death
🧾 Victims Identified: Tragedy Strikes Four States
The victims were pilgrims hailing from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Among the deceased were:
- Rajkumar Jaiswal (Maharashtra)
- Shraddha Jaiswal (Maharashtra)
- Kashi Rajkumar Jaiswal – 23-month-old child
- One BKTC (Badarinath Kedarnath Temple Committee) employee
- Others from UP and Gujarat
- Pilot: Captain (Name yet to be officially released)
Tragically, Vivaan Jaiswal, son of the deceased Jaiswal couple, was saved as he stayed back with his grandfather.
🌧️ Weather to Blame? Early Reports Point to Sudden Deterioration
According to the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), bad weather conditions are considered the likely cause of the crash.
“The weather turned bad during the return journey. The pilot tried to move the chopper out of the valley but it crashed near Gaurikund,”
said Rahul Chaubey, District Tourism Development Officer.
The chopper crashed during a 10-minute journey, losing control amid deteriorating visibility. This was confirmed by locals, who were out collecting fodder and discovered the wreckage.
🚨 Rescue & Response: NDRF and SDRF Mobilized Immediately
Timeline of Emergency Action:
- 5:20 AM: Crash occurred
- 7:00 AM: NDRF and SDRF teams reached Gaurikund
- 8:55 AM: Trek to crash site began
- 9:30 AM onward: Rescue efforts initiated; two bodies recovered so far
Teams continue to scour the forested region, working in difficult terrain and smoke-filled surroundings. The wreckage was completely burned, adding complications to body identification and debris analysis.
🔗 Learn about Aryan Aviation Pvt. Ltd. via DGCA
🛑 CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Orders SOP Review & Expert Panel
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed deep sorrow and ordered strict new safety protocols for helicopter services in the state.
CM Dhami’s Instructions:
- Formation of a technical expert committee
- Preparation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Mandatory technical inspection of choppers
- Weather clearance protocols before all flights
- Suspension of non-essential heli-services until further notice
“This is a deeply distressing accident. A strict SOP must ensure technical and weather readiness before all flights,” Dhami posted on X (formerly Twitter).
📊 Helicopter Safety Concerns: 5 Crashes in Just 6 Weeks
This crash marks the fifth aviation mishap in Uttarakhand since the Kedarnath portals opened on May 2. Just a week earlier, another helicopter had to make an emergency landing due to a technical snag, narrowly avoiding tragedy.
Recent Incidents:
- June 7: Emergency landing on the highway due to rotor failure
- May 28: Weather-forced reroute near Badrinath
- May 17: Safety breach during take-off inspection
- May 10: Minor mid-air technical snag near Sonprayag
These recurring incidents are now forcing a major review of aviation operations in pilgrimage zones, especially during high-traffic Char Dham Yatra season.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What caused the Uttarakhand helicopter crash on June 15?
Preliminary reports suggest bad weather and low visibility were the primary causes. An official investigation is ongoing.
2. How many people died in the Helicopter Crash?
Seven people were killed — five adult pilgrims, one child, and the pilot.
3. Where did the helicopter crash?
The Helicopter Crash occurred between Gaurikund and Sonprayag, near Rudraprayag, during a short 10-minute flight.
4. What action has the government taken?
The Uttarakhand government has ordered a strict SOP for heli-operations and a technical review by experts.
5. Is the Kedarnath Yatra affected?
The yatra is ongoing, but heli-services are under review, with tighter safety protocols being introduced.
🙏 Final Word & CTA
This tragic crash has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved aviation safety, especially in ecologically and climatically sensitive regions like Uttarakhand. As investigations continue, all eyes are now on the DGCA and state aviation authorities(Helicopter Crash).
💬 What are your thoughts on heli-tourism safety in Uttarakhand?
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