Seven people have been pronounced dead in a second Indian plane accident in a space of a week in the Himalayas, India.
The tragic aviation accident has claimed seven lives when a helicopter crashed during a routine flight along one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage routes in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.
Local authorities confirmed the aircraft, operated by Aryan Aviation, went down near Gaurikund while transporting pilgrims from the revered Kedarnath temple. The Bell 407 helicopter had departed at approximately 5:15 AM local time on Sunday with six passengers – including a two-year-old child – and one crew member aboard.
Uttarakhand’s Civil Aviation Department reported losing contact with the aircraft shortly after takeoff. Search and rescue teams comprising local police and disaster response personnel were immediately deployed to the crash site.
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Seven People Dead In Second Indian Plane Crash
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation verified that all occupants perished in the accident. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as deeply distressing news in an official social media statement.
Emergency protocols were activated following the crash, with Dhami ordering complete suspension of helicopter services along the pilgrimage route. They also ordered a comprehensive review of pilot experience for high-altitude operations and the establishment of a centralised command centre in Dehradun.
Immediate contact with victims’ families for repatriation arrangements has been ordered.
Safety Concerns Along Sacred Route
This marks the second helicopter crash in six weeks along the same circuit, with three additional emergency landings reported during the same period. The popular pilgrimage route connects four sacred Himalayan sites.
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The region has seen significant growth in helicopter tourism, catering to pilgrims seeking to avoid the challenging mountain treks. Authorities have pledged to implement stricter Standard Operating Procedures and conduct thorough investigations into any operational negligence.
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The post Seven People Dead In Second Indian Plane Crash appeared first on iHarare News.
