Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/RUDRAPRAYAG
In a worrying development, a helicopter carrying five people, including the pilot, has gone missing near Kedarnath early Sunday morning. The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, reportedly lost contact around 5:50 AM while en route to the Kedarnath Dham as part of the ongoing Char Dham Yatra 2025. Rudraprayag District Tourism Officer Rahul Choubey has confirmd this chopper crash.
Authorities have launched an extensive search and rescue operation involving SDRF, police personnel, and aerial teams. However, due to poor visibility and challenging mountainous terrain, progress has been slow. Officials confirmed that the helicopter took off in clear weather but suddenly went off radar midway through its journey.
District Magistrate of Rudraprayag, Dr Saurabh Gaharwar, said, “We received information about the missing helicopter early in the morning. Immediate efforts are being made to locate the chopper. All helipads in the region have been put on alert.”
The missing helicopter is the third such incident involving chopper mishaps during the Char Dham Yatra this year. The recent spate of aviation-related accidents has raised serious concerns about flight safety and regulation in the high-altitude pilgrimage zone.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed concern and is closely monitoring the situation. He has directed all emergency agencies to work in coordination and expedite the search efforts. “Our priority is the safety of the passengers. We are leaving no stone unturned,” he stated.
As of now, there is no official confirmation on the condition of those onboard. The identities of the passengers are yet to be released. Pilgrims and locals have been urged to stay away from high-altitude search zones to avoid hampering operations.
Further updates are awaited as rescue teams continue their efforts amid difficult weather and terrain.
