Kedarnath Helicopter Crash 2025: 7 Dead as Bad Weather Causes Tragedy | Government Orders Probe
Kedarnath Helicopter Crash 2025: A tragic helicopter crash near the sacred Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand on Sunday morning has shaken the entire nation. An Aryan Aviation helicopter crashed in the forests near Gaurikund, killing all seven people on board, including the pilot. Among the deceased was a two-year-old child, making the incident even more heartbreaking. The crash occurred at 5:24 AM, shortly after the helicopter took off from Kedarnath en route to Guptkashi. Initial investigations suggest adverse weather conditions as the primary cause.
This tragedy has raised serious concerns over the safety protocols of helicopter services operating during the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. This marks the fourth helicopter mishap in the state in the past one and a half months. In response, the Uttarakhand government has immediately suspended all helicopter services until further notice. Both state and central governments have ordered a high-level inquiry, and fear has gripped the pilgrim community.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
The helicopter took off from the Kedarnath helipad at 5:24 AM on Sunday, bound for Guptkashi. On board were pilot Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan and six passengers, including five adults and a two-year-old girl. Just minutes into the flight, the helicopter disappeared from radar between Trijuginarayan and Gaurikund. Rahul Chaubey, District Tourism Development Officer and Nodal Officer for helicopter services in Rudraprayag, stated that the pilot attempted to divert to a safer area due to sudden bad weather. However, due to thick fog and extremely poor visibility, the helicopter lost control and crashed into the forest above Gauri Mai Khark.
The first report came from local Nepali women who were cutting grass near Gaurikund. Rescue efforts were swiftly initiated by the Rudraprayag district administration with the help of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and locals. Despite the difficult terrain and adverse weather, rescuers managed to recover all seven bodies from the debris after several hours of intense operation. The helicopter caught fire upon crashing, severely burning the bodies. All remains were sent to the Rudraprayag district hospital for postmortem.
Identities of the Deceased
Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar confirmed that all seven people aboard the helicopter had died. The victims belonged to different states:
- Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan – Pilot, resident of Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- A recent recruit at Aryan Aviation, he previously served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army for 14 years.
- Vikram Rawat – Resident of Rasi, Ukhimath, Uttarakhand.
- Employed with the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).
- Vinod Devi (66 years) – Resident of Uttar Pradesh.
- Trishti Singh (19 years) – Resident of Uttar Pradesh.
- Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (41 years) – Resident of Gujarat.
- Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal – Resident of Maharashtra.
- Kashi (2 years) – Daughter of Rajkumar and Shraddha, resident of Maharashtra.
The Jaiswal family – Rajkumar, Shraddha, and their two-year-old daughter Kashi – were returning joyfully after visiting Kedarnath. The crash claimed the entire family. The death of local resident Vikram Rawat has deeply affected the community. Authorities are in contact with the victims’ families to offer necessary support.
Adverse Weather Blamed for the Crash
Initial investigations point to adverse weather as the main cause of the crash. Weather in the Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand can change rapidly in June, with dense fog and strong winds making flights hazardous. Nodal Officer Rahul Chaubey said visibility in Gaurikund was extremely poor at the time, and the pilot tried to navigate the helicopter out of the valley, but the conditions were too challenging.
Dr V. Murugesan, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), confirmed that contact was lost with the helicopter between Trijuginarayan and Gaurikund. The Meteorological Department had issued warnings for light rain and fog that morning. Whether the helicopter operator had adequately assessed this warning before take-off remains under scrutiny.
Weather experts emphasise that unpredictable Himalayan weather is a major threat to helicopter operations. They recommend implementing real-time weather monitoring systems and making twin-engine helicopters mandatory in such terrains.
CM Dhami Expresses Grief, Orders Inquiry
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed profound sorrow and posted on social media platform X:
“Extremely sad news received of a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local administration, and other rescue teams are on site. Praying to Baba Kedarnath for the safety of all passengers.”
After confirming all seven deaths, CM Dhami requested a detailed inquiry from the central government. He instructed the civil aviation and disaster management departments to strictly inspect the technical condition of helicopters and not allow flights without accurate weather information. He also ordered the formation of a committee of technical experts to review the safety standards, operational protocols, and to draft a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for helicopter operations.
CM Dhami assured full support to the victims’ families, stating, “The state government stands with the affected families during this tragic time. We will provide all necessary financial and emotional support.”
Repeated Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
This incident is the fourth helicopter crash in Uttarakhand in the past 45 days, severely questioning the safety of helicopter services. Other recent incidents include:
- 8 May 2025: A helicopter en route to Gangotri Dham crashed in Uttarkashi district, killing six people.
- 17 May 2025: An AIIMS Rishikesh air ambulance crashed near Kedarnath helipad; no casualties.
- 7 June 2025: A helicopter en route from Badasu to Kedarnath made an emergency landing on Rudraprayag highway due to technical issues; all onboard were safe.
Over the past 12 years, 14 helicopter crashes have occurred around Kedarnath, claiming 33 lives. Common causes include poor weather, technical failures, and the use of single-engine helicopters in sensitive mountainous terrain.
Aviation experts say that flying in Himalayan regions is inherently risky due to narrow valleys, unpredictable weather, and technical limitations. They recommend using twin-engine helicopters, implementing real-time weather tracking, and mandating specialised mountain flying training for pilots.
Scrutiny Over UCADA and DGCA
The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) confirmed the incident in a statement:
“Around 5:20 AM today, a helicopter from Shri Kedarnath Dham en route to Guptkashi crashed near Gaurikund. The helicopter had six passengers (five adults and one child) along with the pilot. NDRF and SDRF teams have been dispatched for rescue.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also ordered a thorough investigation. The probe will include a review of the helicopter’s maintenance records, pilot training, and weather data. However, despite repeated crashes, questions remain over the strict enforcement of safety protocols by UCADA and DGCA.
Locals and pilgrims are demanding stricter compliance with real-time weather updates, technical inspections, and pilot training standards by helicopter operators. Routine checks on aircraft airworthiness and maintenance must be mandatory.
Fear Among Pilgrims
Helicopter services to Kedarnath have been a blessing for pilgrims unable to undertake the arduous trek. However, the recent crashes have made many reconsider. After the Gaurikund crash, several pilgrims have opted to take the foot route instead.
Ramesh Sharma, a pilgrim from Dehradun, said, “We had planned to take a helicopter, but this accident has scared us. We will now walk to Kedarnath, even if it takes more time.”
Local trader and guide Rajesh Rawat added, “Helicopter services are convenient, but repeated crashes have shattered people’s trust. The government must enforce stricter safety norms.”
Response from Centre and State Governments
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has sought a detailed report. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been directed to strengthen safety policies for helicopter services in sensitive hilly areas like Uttarakhand. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed his condolences and said, “This is a tragic incident. After DGCA’s investigation, strict measures will be taken to prevent such accidents in the future.”
The Uttarakhand government has assured all possible support to the victims’ families. CM Dhami reiterated that the state stands with the affected families and will offer both financial and emotional assistance.
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