Beyond Headlines

Fatal helicopter crash in Uttarakhand highlights systemic failures

Six lives lost as private chopper crashes near Gangotri, raising questions about aviation safety and oversight

A private helicopter operated by AeroTrans Services Private Limited crashed near the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to two others.

The helicopter had taken off from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun and was heading toward the Kharsali helipad in Yamunotri. Onboard were seven passengers, including four from Mumbai and two from Andhra Pradesh. The crash occurred near Ganganani, in a gorge approximately 200 to 250 meters deep.

Emergency teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and nearby villagers were quickly dispatched to the crash site. Rescue operations were conducted under challenging terrain conditions, and the injured were transported to nearby medical facilities.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are involved in collecting preliminary findings from the site. The wreckage has been secured, and the black box will be examined to determine whether technical failure or other factors contributed to the crash.

From Around the World

Top stories

Features