Is This the Fifth Chopper Accident in Six Weeks? Kharge Calls for Investigation into U’khand Crash

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uttarakhand helicopter crash has resulted in the loss of seven lives.
- This incident is the fifth helicopter accident in a short span of six weeks.
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demands strict investigations and accountability.
- Helicopter services to Kedarnath are temporarily suspended.
- Safety protocols are under scrutiny, with calls for improvements.
New Delhi, June 15 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the Uttarakhand helicopter crash and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, alongside ensuring robust safety measures for all air travel to prevent future occurrences.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha noted that this crash marks the fifth helicopter accident within the last six weeks, urging that accountability for these incidents be established and those at fault be held responsible.
In a message on his social media platform, the Congress MP stated: “The news of the helicopter crash in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand is heartbreaking. Seven passengers have lost their lives. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected. May God provide strength to the grieving families during this difficult time.”
“I urge both state and central governments to launch an investigation into these accidents and to ensure proper safety protocols are in place,” he added.
In response, helicopter services to Kedarnath have been halted for the next two days.
“Helicopter operations will not occur today or tomorrow. These services will remain suspended until passenger safety is guaranteed,” Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami informed the media on Sunday.
This morning, seven individuals, including the pilot, perished when the helicopter crashed in a wooded area near Gaurikund in Rudraprayag district. The Aryan Aviation Helicopter was en route from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi when it went down around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday.
In a related move, the operations of Aryan Aviation for the Char Dham Yatra have been immediately suspended. An official reported that two helicopters owned by M/s TransBharat Aviation, with registration numbers VT-TBC and VT-TBF, were found to have flown under similarly unfavorable weather conditions, resulting in the suspension of both pilots’ licenses for six months.