Tragedy in Kedarnath: Helicopter Crash in Gaurikund Kills Seven, Including 23-Month-Old Infant

Gaurikund, Rudraprayag | June 15, 2025
A tragic helicopter crash during the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand claimed seven lives early Sunday morning. The Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter, en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, crashed near the Gaurikund region around 5:30 AM. Among the deceased were a 23-month-old infant, her parents, and the pilot.

Crash Details

The Aryan Aviation helicopter (VT-BKA) took off from Kedarnath at 5:19 AM and went missing shortly after. Locals, including Nepali women grazing cattle, noticed thick smoke rising from the forested region above Gauri Mai Khark. Emergency services were alerted immediately. Rescue teams from SDRF and district administration rushed to the scene, only to find the charred remains of the wreckage and the passengers.

Victim List

1. Vikram Singh Rawat (46) – Resident of Ransi village, Ukhimath, Rudraprayag; BKTC employee
2. Vinod Devi (66) – Resident of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
3. Tushti Singh (19) – Resident of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
4. Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (41) – Resident of Wani, Maharashtra
5. Sharda Rajkumar Jaiswal (35) – Resident of Wani, Maharashtra
6. Kashi (23 months) – Daughter of Rajkumar and Sharda Jaiswal
7. Captain Rajeev – Pilot, Aryan Aviation, resident of Rajasthan

Immediate Response

District Disaster Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar and helicopter nodal officer Rahul Chaubey confirmed the crash. The helicopter had reportedly lost control due to inclement weather in the region. All helicopter services in the Kedarnath sector have been suspended until further notice.

Chief Minister’s Reaction

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep grief and issued strict directives for heli-operations in the state. He called for the formulation of a robust SOP ensuring pre-flight weather checks and full technical inspections. A committee of aviation experts will be formed to audit safety standards and ensure transparent and safe operations.

“We must make heli services absolutely secure, especially in a pilgrimage zone. There can be no compromise with safety,” — CM Dhami said.

Pattern of Recurring Helicopter Incidents

• June 7, 2025: A helicopter of Crystal Company made an emergency landing on the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund highway due to a technical fault.
• May 8, 2025: Another helicopter crash in Uttarkashi claimed six lives. The AeroTrans chopper crashed near Gangnani on its way to Harsil.

DGCA and AAIB Involved

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already restricted flight frequencies on Char Dham routes. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken over the case for a detailed probe.

CEO UCADA’s Statement

Sonika, CEO of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority, confirmed the suspension of all shuttle services citing poor weather. She stated that safety and rescue operations remain the top priority.

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This devastating incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive safety audits and weather-resilient planning for heli-services on pilgrimage routes. As the Char Dham Yatra continues, lives cannot be left at the mercy of unpredictable mountain skies