What Do Maharashtra and Bengal CMs Say About the U'khand Helicopter Crash?
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Synopsis
In a heartfelt response to the recent helicopter tragedy in Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Bengal Chief Ministers have expressed their deep sorrow. The incident, which claimed seven lives including a toddler, has prompted calls for enhanced aviation safety measures. This event underscores the ongoing safety concerns associated with high-altitude helicopter operations during the Char Dham Yatra.
Key Takeaways
- The helicopter crash in Uttarakhand claimed seven lives, including a toddler.
- The flight was a short 10-minute trip from Kedarnath to Guptkashi.
- Both Maharashtra and West Bengal CMs expressed their condolences.
- The DGCA is reviewing safety measures for helicopter operations.
- This incident has raised serious safety concerns for high-altitude aviation.
Mumbai, June 15 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed profound sorrow on Sunday following the devastating helicopter crash in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, which resulted in the loss of all seven individuals on board, including a young child.
The helicopter, which was traveling from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, met with disaster and ignited in flames within a thickly wooded area near Gaurikund early Sunday morning.
This tragic flight was a Bell 407 helicopter, registered as VT-BKA and operated by Aryan Aviation. It was on a brief 10-minute journey between Shri Kedarnath ji and the Aryan Helipad in Guptkashi when the mishap occurred.
Chief Minister Fadnavis conveyed his condolences for the tragic loss of life, especially for the three individuals who hailed from his state.
In a message posted on X, he stated, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident where passengers lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand this morning while traveling from Kedarnath to Guptkashi. Some of the victims were also devotees from Maharashtra. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. We stand with all those affected."
The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) reported that the deceased included six pilgrims: five adults and a 23-month-old child, from various states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
The victims were identified as Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan, a pilot from Jaipur; Vikram Rawat, a worker for the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC); Vinod Devi and her granddaughter Trushti Singh, a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh; and a family of three from Maharashtra—Rajkumar Jaiswal, his wife Shradha Jaiswal, and their daughter Kashi Jaiswal.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her sorrow on X regarding this unfortunate accident.
In her social media post, Mamata Banerjee stated, "It is with great sadness that I acknowledge another civil aviation tragedy reported this morning from Uttarakhand, specifically in the Kedarnath - Gaurikund - Guptakashi area. Seven individuals, including a child and the pilot, were aboard the helicopter when it crashed, and the media has reported fears of the worst outcome. As we await the results of rescue operations, my thoughts are with everyone on board."
In light of this incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented precautionary measures by reducing the frequency of helicopter services to the Char Dham.
Furthermore, the agency is enhancing surveillance of helicopter operations in the area and is reviewing all protocols for possible safety improvements.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted safety concerns regarding helicopter operations in the challenging high-altitude regions of Uttarakhand, particularly during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra.
Point of View
We recognize the profound impact of the recent helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we commend the swift response from both state and national aviation authorities. Safety in high-altitude helicopter operations must be a priority, especially as pilgrimage seasons attract more travelers to these regions.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand?
The specific cause of the helicopter crash is currently under investigation, but it highlights ongoing safety concerns in high-altitude aviation.
How many people were on board the helicopter?
There were a total of seven individuals on board the helicopter, including a toddler.
What measures is the DGCA taking in response to the crash?
The DGCA has reduced helicopter service frequencies to Char Dham and is enhancing operational surveillance.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The victims included pilgrims from multiple states, with three from Maharashtra.
What are the safety concerns regarding helicopter operations in Uttarakhand?
The crash raises significant concerns about the safety of helicopter operations in the challenging high-altitude environments of Uttarakhand.
