Helicopter Crashes in Uttarakhand Near Kedarnath All 7 Including Pilot and Infant Feared Dead
Gaurikund, Uttarakhand | June 15, 2025 – In a tragic incident early this morning, a passenger helicopter crashed near Gaurikund while en route from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi.
According to sources, locals have reported devastating fire at the crash site, leaving very little chance for the survival of any of the seven people on board, including a 23-month-old child and the pilot. The crash occurred at approximately 5:20 AM amid dense fog and poor weather conditions, leading to a terrain collision.
🚁 Crash Overview
The ill-fated helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, was carrying five adult pilgrims, a child, and the pilot. The passengers hailed from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, underscoring the national impact of the tragedy.
Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft lost contact shortly after takeoff from Kedarnath. Initial investigations suggest low visibility due to fog and challenging Himalayan terrain played a significant role in the crash.
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।
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) June 15, 2025
बाबा केदार से सभी यात्रियों के सकुशल होने की कामना करता हूँ।
🔥 Casualties & Survivors
Tragically, all seven on board are suspected to have perished in the crash, including the infant. Authorities confirmed no survivors could be possible in the devastating accident.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident:
🧭 Rescue & Investigation
NDRF and SDRF teams were swiftly deployed to the remote crash site, initiating recovery efforts. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe, focusing on:
- Weather conditions (low visibility, fog)
- Terrain challenges in the Himalayan region
- Pilot experience and operational protocols
This incident follows recent DGCA safety enhancements, including stricter flight regulations and mandatory pilot training upgrades for Char Dham Yatra helicopter operations.
Watch full coverage by DD News:
#BreakingNews | Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash
— DD News (@DDNewslive) June 15, 2025
At 5:20 AM today, a helicopter en route from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi crashed near Gaurikund.
6 people were onboard (5 adults, 1 child) from Uttarakhand, UP, Maharashtra & Gujarat.
NDRF & SDRF teams have been rushed for rescue pic.twitter.com/xEjQ3fDOJY
❗ Why This Matters
The crash adds to a growing list of aviation accidents during the Char Dham Yatra, raising concerns over safety in Himalayan air travel. Just days earlier, the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad claimed 241 lives, intensifying scrutiny on India’s aviation oversight.
Authorities urge pilgrims to exercise caution, especially during peak travel seasons marked by unpredictable weather.
📌 Key Details at a Glance:
- Location: Near Gaurikund, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
- Time of Crash: ~5:20 AM, June 15, 2025
- Operator: Aryan Aviation
- Casualties: 7 dead (5 adults, 1 child, 1 pilot)
- Rescue Teams: NDRF, SDRF, local administration
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash while emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures in Himalayan aviation operations. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
