Did SDRF Successfully Recover All Seven Bodies from U'Khand Helicopter Crash Site?
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Synopsis
In a tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand, all seven aboard were lost, including a child. The SDRF and NDRF teams worked tirelessly to recover the remains as investigations continue into the cause of this devastating incident. This event has sparked renewed concern over helicopter safety in high-altitude areas during the Char Dham Yatra.
Key Takeaways
- All seven bodies were recovered from the crash site.
- The helicopter was completely destroyed on impact.
- A 23-month-old child was among the deceased.
- Rescue operations faced challenging conditions.
- Safety measures for helicopter operations are under review.
Rudraprayag, June 15 (NationPress) - A dedicated team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) arrived at the helicopter crash site in the Gaurikund region of Uttarakhand to retrieve all seven charred remains.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local law enforcement also played crucial roles in the rescue efforts.
Rescue officials reported that the helicopter was entirely engulfed in flames upon impact.
All seven individuals aboard the helicopter, which was traveling from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, lost their lives when the aircraft crashed and ignited in a forested area close to Gaurikund early Sunday morning.
Tragically, among the deceased was a 23-month-old infant.
The ill-fated helicopter, identified as a Bell 407 with registration VT-BKA, operated by Aryan Aviation, was navigating the route 'Shri Kedarnath ji - Aryan Helipad, Guptkashi' when it met its fate during a brief flight lasting just 10 minutes.
The incident occurred around 5:20 a.m. in a densely forested area situated between Gaurikund and Sonprayag, specifically in the isolated region known as Gauri Mai Khark.
Immediately following the report of the incident, rescue teams were deployed under the leadership of SDRF commander Arpan Yaduvanshi.
“The SDRF team reached the site of incident Jorsi (above Gaurikund) -- Crashed helicopter completely burnt, all 7 bodies recovered by rescue team. SDRF, NDRF, and District Police engaged in rescue work,” shared a post from the SDRF on X.
A statement from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) confirmed that the fatalities included six pilgrims -- five adults and an infant -- from various states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
The crash victims have been identified as Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan, a pilot from Jaipur; Vikram Rawat, an employee of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC); Vinod Devi and her granddaughter Trushti Singh, both pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh; and a family of three from Maharashtra -- Rajkumar Jaiswal, his wife Shradha Jaiswal, and their daughter Kashi Jaiswal.
In light of the tragedy, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented precautionary measures by reducing the frequency of helicopter services to Char Dham.
The agency is also enhancing surveillance of helicopter operations in the area and is reviewing existing protocols for potential safety improvements.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has been assigned to probe the cause of the crash.
Initial reports suggest that challenging visibility and severe weather conditions in the mountainous region significantly contributed to the disaster.
Despite the daunting terrain and dense forest cover at the crash site, rescue and relief operations are being conducted vigorously.
Teams from the NDRF and SDRF continue their efforts under challenging conditions to ensure the full recovery of remains and evidence.
This tragic crash has once again raised alarms regarding the safety of helicopter operations in Uttarakhand's perilous high-altitude regions, particularly during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra.
Point of View
It is essential to approach this tragic incident with sensitivity while emphasizing the need for rigorous safety measures in helicopter operations, especially in high-altitude regions like Uttarakhand. The loss of life is devastating, and our thoughts are with the families affected. We must advocate for improved protocols to ensure such tragedies do not recur.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand?
Preliminary reports suggest that poor visibility and harsh weather conditions in the mountainous terrain were significant factors in the helicopter crash.
How many people were on board the helicopter?
There were a total of seven individuals on board, all of whom tragically lost their lives.
What organizations were involved in the rescue efforts?
The rescue operations involved the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police.
What were the steps taken after the crash?
Following the crash, rescue teams were immediately dispatched, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) implemented precautionary measures, including reduced helicopter services.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The victims included six pilgrims and a pilot, with individuals hailing from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
