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On Sunday, June 15, 2025, a helicopter crashed in a jungle while traveling from Kedarnath Temple to Guptkashi in Uttarakhand, India, killing all seven people on board, including six pilgrims and the pilot. Operated by Aryan Aviation, the helicopter crashed around 20 minutes after takeoff between Gaurikund and Sonprayag at approximately 5:20 AM, according to the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA). The pilgrims hailed from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Authorities have identified technical issues and adverse weather as the likely causes, of the crash.
Local residents reported the crash to authorities, prompting rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the tragedy on X, stating, “The helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district is deeply tragic. SDRF, local administration, and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations.”
In a separate incident, on Thursday, an Air India flight bound for London’s Gatwick crashed in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar, just five minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Of the 242 passengers, on board, 241, perished, with the sole survivor being Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian descent. The plane crashed into a residential area, killing five people, including those in a medical college hostel, bringing the total death toll to at least 265. Around 60 people were injured and hospitalized, many in critical condition.
According to administrative sources, investigations into both incidents are ongoing. These tragedies have raised serious concerns about safety standards in India’s aviation sector.
AI/MR
