Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash: Six Feared Aboard Aircraft That Went Down Near Joshimath

Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash: Six Feared Aboard Aircraft That Went Down Near Joshimath

Chamoli, Oct 30: A helicopter operated by a private aviation company crashed near Chai village, close to Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, on Friday, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation. Six people were reportedly on board the aircraft.

Representational Image

The crash is believed to have occurred in the Vishnuprayag area, along the route between Badrinath and Joshimath. The condition and whereabouts of the passengers were not immediately known.

Helicopter Reportedly Disappeared After Take-Off from Badrinath

According to preliminary information, the helicopter, bearing registration number VT-HCX and operated by Trans Bharat Aviation, took off from Badrinath at around 1:12 pm on Friday.

Its last reported contact was near the Army post atop Hathi Pahad, opposite Joshimath.

Officials later received reports of a burning white object in the forest above the JP Dam, raising suspicions that the helicopter had crashed in the area.

SDRF and District Teams Join Rescue Operation

Following the incident, teams from the district administration, disaster management department and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were mobilised to locate the aircraft and rescue those on board.

Medical teams have also been rushed to the area to provide emergency assistance. Additional helicopters have been deployed for aerial reconnaissance and to help locate the crash site.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan Singh Bisht said officials were gathering information about the incident.

Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said the administration launched rescue efforts immediately after receiving the alert. Officials are coordinating with the helicopter operator to assess the situation.

Chief Minister Dhami Monitors Situation

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the helicopter crash and said he was closely monitoring the developments.

In a post on social media platform X, he said a joint rescue operation involving the district administration, disaster management department and SDRF was underway.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure that any seriously injured passengers receive immediate evacuation and treatment at advanced medical facilities.

He expressed hope for the safe return of everyone on board.

Bad Weather Hampers Search Efforts

Persistent rainfall and dense cloud cover in the region have reportedly made search and rescue operations challenging.

Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the aircraft and establish the condition of the passengers. Further information about the cause of the crash and the fate of those on board is awaited.

Incident Raises Fresh Concerns Over Char Dham Helicopter Operations

The crash comes after two emergency landings involving helicopters operating on Uttarakhand’s Char Dham routes earlier this month.

One aircraft reportedly made an emergency landing in Rudraprayag due to adverse weather, while another was forced to land in Tehri following a technical issue.

The latest incident has renewed attention on weather-related challenges and safety concerns surrounding helicopter operations in the Himalayan region.