A helicopter has crashed in northern India, killing seven people, just days after the Air India plane crash, which took the lives of more than 240 people.
The helicopter crashed at a Hindu pilgrimage site in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, according to reports.
It was carrying pilgrims of the Char Dham yatra from Kedarnath, which crashed near Rudraprayag’s Gaurikund early Sunday, the Indian Express reported.
Broadcaster India Today cited officials who stated the helicopter lost control due to bad weather.
Seven people are believed to have died
REUTERS
Inspector General, Law and Order, Nilesh Bharne said: “Around 5.20am on Sunday, the helicopter went missing after taking passengers from Kedarnath, en route to Guptkashi.
“It crashed in Gaurikund, leading to seven deaths. We are ascertaining the reason for the crash.”
According to initial reports, a technical malfunction and poor weather conditions may have caused the crash.
Investigations are currently underway.
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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that he is praying for the safe recovery of the passengers.
He said on X: “The extremely distressing news of a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district has been received. SDRF, local administration and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations.
Helicopter services across the region are very commonly used by pilgrims.
In October 2022, seven people died when a helicopter taking pilgrims crashed near the same area.
Smoke billows out from the wreckage
REUTERS
The news follows an Air India plane crash in western India while en route to the UK.
Air India confirmed that 241 of the 242 people aboard the flight have died. The airline “offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased”.
The survivor is a 40-year-old British-Indian, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was returning to the UK after a visit.
He said from his hospital bed: “When the flight took off, within five to 10 seconds it felt like it was stuck in the air.
“Suddenly, the lights started flickering green and white. The aircraft wasn’t gaining altitude and was just gliding before it suddenly slammed into a building and exploded.”
