What Happened on the 'Sunday of Sorrows' in Uttarakhand and Maharashtra?
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Synopsis
Two tragic incidents struck India on June 15, 2023, with a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand and a bridge collapse in Maharashtra. These events remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of safety measures. The death toll stands at eleven, with ongoing rescue efforts highlighting the challenges faced in such emergencies.
Key Takeaways
- Tragic events in Uttarakhand and Maharashtra on June 15, 2023.
- Helicopter crash in Uttarakhand resulted in seven fatalities.
- Bridge collapse in Maharashtra led to four deaths and numerous injuries.
- Government support for affected families, including financial aid.
- Rescue operations faced challenges due to environmental conditions.
Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand)/Pune, June 15 (NationPress) While India is still grappling with the aftermath of Thursday's catastrophic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of nearly all 242 individuals on board, the nation faced two additional calamities on Sunday in Uttarakhand and Maharashtra. The toll from these incidents stands at seven fatalities from a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag and four deaths in Pune, with many individuals still unaccounted for, serving as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and systemic failures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Cyprus for the first leg of a three-country tour that includes the G7 summit in Canada, reached out to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the tragedies and express condolences.
In the helicopter disaster, all seven individuals aboard, which included a 23-month-old child and the pilot, perished when the aircraft, traveling from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, went down early Sunday in the Gaurikund area of Rudraprayag.
The helicopter crashed in a densely wooded area near Gauri Mai Khark during its brief ten-minute flight, going down between Gaurikund and Sonprayag around 5:20 a.m.
According to a release from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), the deceased included six pilgrims—a mix of five adults and the infant—from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The pilot was also among the victims.
The cause of the crash has been attributed to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions, which officials claim significantly contributed to the tragedy.
Rescue and relief operations have commenced, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) dispatched to assist in recovery efforts. However, the remote location of the crash site in a challenging forested area has complicated operations.
This incident marks the fifth aviation-related disaster since the Kedarnath temple reopened on May 2.
On June 7, a different helicopter encountered a technical issue during takeoff and was forced to execute an emergency landing on the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund highway. The tail rotor struck a parked vehicle, narrowly avoiding nearby structures. Thankfully, all five passengers were unharmed, although the pilot sustained minor injuries.
In the Pune bridge collapse, at least four individuals drowned, several sustained injuries, and 39 others were rescued after sections of an aging bridge crumbled, sending people into an overflowing river.
The bridge over the Indrayani River at Kundamala in Pune's Maval taluka suddenly fell apart, causing numerous people to plunge into the water.
Footage from the scene revealed broken sections of the bridge, primarily over the water, as rescue teams from various agencies worked to locate and assist victims.
A crane has been deployed to help remove parts of the collapsed structure while rescue operations continue.
“The bridge collapsed while people were crossing it. Approximately 20 to 25 individuals were on the bridge at that time,” a rescue worker informed IANS.
An eyewitness, who was trapped on the bridge, recounted to IANS that the structure “was already shaking, yet people continued to walk on it. There were around 40 to 50 individuals.”
Vikas Nikam, a relative of an injured victim, shared with IANS: “He was en route to the hospital, but the bridge gave way while he was crossing. It was so weak that it collapsed. He was going to retrieve his wife’s MRI report when he encountered this accident.”
Chief Minister Fadnavis has announced that the state government will offer financial support of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who perished in the bridge collapse and cover medical expenses for the injured.
Increased water levels due to heavy rainfall in the area worsened the situation. Maval has seen significant rain over the last couple of days, causing the Indrayani River to swell.
Police, fire brigade, and NDRF teams quickly arrived at the scene to initiate rescue efforts.
Kundmala is a well-known tourist location that experiences a high influx of visitors during the monsoon season, with attendance peaking on Sundays.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach these heartbreaking events with compassion and a commitment to uncovering the truth. The tragedies in Uttarakhand and Maharashtra remind us of the systemic issues surrounding safety in aviation and infrastructure. Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families as we seek accountability and improvements to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand?
The helicopter crash was attributed to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions.
How many people died in the Pune bridge collapse?
At least four individuals lost their lives due to the bridge collapse in Pune.
What assistance is the Maharashtra government providing to victims' families?
The Maharashtra government announced a financial aid of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who died in the bridge collapse.
What is the location of the helicopter crash?
The helicopter crash occurred in the Gaurikund area of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand.
How many individuals were rescued from the river in Pune?
A total of 39 people were rescued after falling into the overflowing river during the bridge collapse.
