Uttarkashi: In a devastating incident early this morning, a private helicopter operated by Aerotrans Private Limited crashed near the Ganganani area in Uttarkashi district. The helicopter was ferrying pilgrims as part of the ongoing Chardham Yatra. Tragically, six of the seven people on board, including the pilot, lost their lives on the spot, while one passenger remains critically injured.
Victims Identified
The helicopter was carrying six passengers and one pilot. All individuals on board have been identified as:
Vineet Gupta
Arvind Agarwal
Vipin Agarwal
Pinky Agarwal
Rashmi
Kishore Jadhav
Captain Robin Singh (Pilot)
According to initial reports, the deceased include four devotees from Maharashtra and two from Andhra Pradesh. The sole survivor is undergoing treatment in serious condition.
Chief Minister Expresses Condolences, Orders Investigation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. In a message posted on social media, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Chief Minister also confirmed that he is in constant contact with officials and monitoring the situation closely.
He has directed the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the district administration to ensure immediate relief and rescue efforts. Additionally, he has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
Weather Conditions a Growing Concern
The Chardham Yatra is currently seeing a high influx of pilgrims, both on foot and by helicopter. However, adverse weather conditions in the hilly regions are increasingly disrupting air services, raising safety concerns.
The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds in several districts, including Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, and Champawat. Pilgrims and travelers have been urged to stay updated on weather advisories and exercise caution.
