Uttarakhand Helicopter Tragedy Near Gangnani: Six Dead, One Injured En Route to Gangotri Dham
In a tragic accident that has sent shockwaves across the country, a helicopter en route to the revered Gangotri Dham, a key pilgrimage site in the Char Dham Yatra, crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand on Thursday morning, resulting in the death of six people and leaving one seriously injured.
The ill-fated helicopter, operated by Heli Aerotrans Company, had taken off from the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun earlier in the day. It was carrying seven individuals—including six passengers and one pilot—and was on its way to Harsil, a town located near Gangotri, when it crashed under still-unclear circumstances around 8:45 AM.
Crash Location and Rescue Efforts
The helicopter crashed near Gangnani, a town located along the Gangotri National Highway, a route frequently used during the Char Dham pilgrimage season. The incident site lies in rugged mountainous terrain, making rescue efforts especially difficult. Upon receiving the distress call, multiple emergency response teams were mobilized without delay.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, fire department, and medical personnel rushed to the site. The SDRF, in a detailed statement, reported that the helicopter had plummeted into a gorge estimated to be between 200 and 250 metres deep, complicating the logistics of the rescue operation.
SDRF personnel established a base at the crash site, and team members descended into the gorge with great difficulty to retrieve the victims and provide emergency aid.
Details of the Victims
Of the seven people on board, five individuals died at the crash site, while another succumbed to injuries during medical treatment. The pilot, identified as Captain Robin Singh, was among those who lost their lives in the crash.
Initial identification of the victims revealed that four of the passengers were from Mumbai, Maharashtra, and two hailed from Andhra Pradesh.
The sole survivor, a 51-year-old male passenger from Andhra Pradesh, sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a medical facility. Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.
Official Response and Statements
In the aftermath of the crash, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed profound sorrow over the incident. Taking to social media and through official channels, he conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public that swift and coordinated relief efforts had been launched.
“I am deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of the helicopter crash near Gangnani in Uttarkashi, which claimed the lives of six people,” the Chief Minister stated. “Our SDRF and district administration teams responded immediately and are continuing with relief and rescue operations.”
He further emphasized that instructions have been issued to ensure that the injured receives the best possible medical attention, and directed the concerned authorities to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash.
The government has also assured support to the families of the victims and committed to ensuring transparency in the probe that will follow.
Pilgrimage Route and Significance
The helicopter was serving pilgrims journeying to Gangotri Dham, one of the four holy sites in the Char Dham circuit—a spiritually significant pilgrimage route that includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Given the high altitude, challenging road conditions, and increasing number of pilgrims, many devotees opt for helicopter services, especially during peak yatra season.
The tragic incident underscores the inherent risks associated with operating flights in difficult mountain terrain, especially in unpredictable weather conditions. Helicopter services to Char Dham locations are usually in high demand during this time of year, with thousands of pilgrims visiting daily.
Investigation and Future Steps
Authorities have launched a preliminary inquiry to determine the cause of the crash, which remains unknown at this time. Aviation experts and regulatory bodies are expected to inspect the wreckage and flight logs and interview surviving personnel and witnesses. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) may also join the investigation team.
Meanwhile, efforts are being made to ensure the safety of future helicopter operations in the region. The state government has indicated that standard operating procedures (SOPs) for aviation services, especially those related to pilgrimage routes, may be revised based on the findings of the investigation.
