Three From Maharashtra Among 7 Killed In Helicopter Crash Near Kedarnath; Char Dham Heli Service Suspended
Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand), 15th June 2025 – In a devastating incident early Sunday morning, a helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed near Gaurikund while returning from the Kedarnath temple, killing all seven people on board, including a two-year-old child and two adults from Maharashtra and the pilot.
The accident occurred around 5:20 AM, shortly after takeoff, with preliminary reports pointing to bad weather as the likely cause. NDRF and SDRF teams swiftly launched rescue operations from Gaurikund.
Victims Identified in the Tragic Crash
The deceased have been identified as:
- Pilot Rajveer Singh Chauhan (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
- Vikram Singh Rawat (Ukhimath, Uttarakhand)
- Vinod Devi (Uttar Pradesh)
- Trishti Singh (Uttar Pradesh)
- Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (Maharashtra)
- Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal (Maharashtra)
- Kashi Rajkumar Jaiswal (2)Â (Maharashtra)
The Jaiswal family, hailing from Wani in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, had embarked on a pilgrimage with relatives.
Bodies Charred, DNA Verification Underway
IG Garhwal Range Rajiv Swaroop stated that the bodies were severely burnt in the crash-induced fire, complicating identification. “The bodies will be handed over only after DNA verification,” he confirmed.
Uttarakhand CM Announces Heli Service Suspension & Stricter Regulations
Expressing deep sorrow, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “This is heartbreaking. Rescue operations are underway with SDRF and local authorities. I pray for the victims’ families.”
Following the tragedy, the Char Dham Yatra helicopter services have been suspended. The CM also announced stricter regulations, including mandatory weather assessments and technical inspections before every flight.
Third Helicopter Incident in Uttarakhand in a Month
This marks the third helicopter-related accident in Uttarakhand in just over a month, raising serious concerns over aviation safety in the pilgrimage zone:
- June 7: A helicopter made an emergency landing in Rudraprayag, crashing onto a car but causing no injuries.
- May 17: An air ambulance crashed in Kedarnath during landing; the pilot, doctor, and nurse survived.
- May 8: A private helicopter en route to Gangotri Dham crashed in Uttarkashi, killing six, including a mother-daughter duo from Bareilly.
Recent Aviation Tragedy in Gujarat Adds to Grief
This crash follows the devastating Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed 241 lives, leaving only one survivor. The victims included 169 Indians, 52 UK nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian.
