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Witnesses reported the wreckage caught fire on impact, leaving the victims badly burned.
Among the deceased were Captain Rajveer Singh Chauhan, a former Army pilot recently hired by Aryan Aviation, and five pilgrims—including a family of three from Maharashtra (parents and their two‑year‑old daughter, Kashi, plus two others from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Notably, the family’s son tragically avoided the crash by not boarding due to illness at home.
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Rescue operations were launched immediately by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has suspended Aryan Aviation’s Char Dham operations and revoked two other pilots’ licenses for six months due to unsafe weather violations.
The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, halted all helicopter services to Kedarnath for at least two days and convened a high-level inquiry committee.
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The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal probe to determine the crash’s precise cause.
This marks the fifth helicopter incident around Kedarnath since the pilgrimage season began on April 30, underscoring the recurring hazards of high-altitude aviation amid rapid weather changes
Local and central authorities are reviewing standard operating procedures (SOPs), flight scheduling, and crew experience criteria to bolster safety .
Prime Minister’s Comment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with CM Dhami, offering sympathy and assured full central support for the investigation and relief efforts.
This tragedy highlights the persistent risks faced by pilgrims relying on helicopter travel in mountainous terrain under unpredictable weather. Authorities are responding with immediate service suspensions, investigations, and tighter regulations to prevent future disasters.