Private Helicopter Airlifted by IAF Crashes in Kedarnath

Private helicopter being airlifted by IAF for repairs crashes in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath

A malfunctioning helicopter was being transported from Kedarnath in Uttarakhand to Gauchar by an Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter when it crashed this morning, according to officials. The private helicopter went down near the Mandakini River in Lincholi, but fortunately, there were no injuries reported in the incident, which was recorded on video. 

The helicopter was being airlifted to the Gauchar airstrip for repairs with the assistance of the MI-17. However, the pilot was compelled to release the helicopter at an open area when the MI-17 began to lose stability, as stated by Rudraprayag district tourism officer Rahul Chaubey.

"Shortly after the MI-17 had traveled a short distance, it began to lose balance due to the combined effects of the helicopter's weight and wind conditions, necessitating the pilot to drop it near the Tharu camp," Mr. Chaubey remarked in an official statement.

He confirmed that there were no passengers or cargo aboard the helicopter and noted that a rescue team promptly arrived at the crash site.

Additionally, he mentioned that the private helicopter had previously made an emergency landing near the Kedarnath helipad in May due to technical issues.

This helicopter had been involved in transporting passengers to the Kedarnath temple.

Since July 31, there has been a significant decline in the number of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath, attributed to severe damage caused by heavy rainfall to the trekking route leading to the Himalayan temple.

Landslides triggered by the rain along the path from Gaurikund to Kedarnath had left thousands stranded, prompting the administration to initiate a large-scale rescue operation, supported by the Air Force's Chinook and MI-17 helicopters, in addition to private helicopters.

Although the trekking route was largely closed in August, pilgrims continued to reach the temple via helicopter.

The Chardham Yatra commenced this year on May 10 with the opening of the Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri temples for devotees, while the Badrinath temple's portals opened on May 12.

To date, over 3.3 million pilgrims have visited the Himalayan temples.