Dehradun: In response to a tragic helicopter crash near Ganganani in Uttarkashi district, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, promptly reached the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) along with senior officials to oversee the rescue operations, following directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
The incident was reported to the SEOC at 8:30 AM, indicating the crash of an Aerotrans Company helicopter. Upon receiving the alert, Secretary Suman, accompanied by Additional Chief Executive Officer (Administration) Anand Swaroop, Additional CEO (Implementation) DIG Raj Kumar Negi, Joint CEO Md. Obaidullah Ansari, Health Department’s Disaster Management Nodal Officer Dr. Bimalesh Joshi, SEOC In-charge Rohit Kumar, and other USDMA experts, convened at the control room to coordinate the emergency response.
Secretary Suman maintained constant communication with Uttarkashi District Magistrate Meherban Singh Bisht to receive real-time updates on ground operations. Geo-coordinates of the crash site were swiftly obtained to facilitate any required aerial support during the ongoing rescue efforts.
Tragically, six individuals lost their lives in the crash. One passenger sustained injuries and was airlifted via heli-ambulance to AIIMS Rishikesh for urgent medical care. Post-mortem examinations of the deceased are underway at the Uttarkashi district headquarters.
Medical professionals and officials including Dr. Vedika Pant, Dr. Pooja Rana, Manish Bhagat, Hemant Bisht, and Tandrila Sarkar were present during the critical hours of response.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and extend support to the affected families.
