NewzVille Desk
In an unfortunate crash in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, a helicopter went down in the early hours of Sunday near Gaurikund, resulting in the death of all seven passengers, including the pilot and a child.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are present at the accident site, and all bodies have been recovered.
In view of the recent accident, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation have imposed a ban on helicopter services in Char Dham until further orders.
Earlier, the helicopter made a hard landing at an alternate location due to unfavorable weather conditions en route, resulting in damage to the aircraft.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Safety protocols and weather-related flight regulations are also under review in light of the incident.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed sadness over the helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district and assured that rescue teams, including the SDRF and local administration, are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations.
He has directed the implementation of strict Standard Operating Procedures for helicopter services in the state.
As per the SOP, thorough inspection of helicopters’ technical condition before operation and accurate weather forecasting before flights are to be conducted.
A high-level committee will probe past and recent helicopter accidents, identify causes and guilty parties, and recommend strict action.
