A tragic helicopter crash in northern India has claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including a two-year-old child and the pilot. The incident occurred near Gaurikund, in the state of Uttarakhand.
According to the BBC, the aircraft—a Bell 407 helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation with registration number VT-BKA—was en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, a route often used by pilgrims traveling through the Himalayan region.
The crash happened just three days after a devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed more than 270 people.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed the fatalities and announced that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will lead an inquiry into the incident.
“At around 5:30 AM, we received information that a helicopter en route from Shri Kedarnath Dham had gone missing,” stated the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Department.
The State Disaster Response Force and other local emergency teams quickly launched rescue and recovery efforts. Officials described the incident as “very sad news.”
Meanwhile, efforts continue in the aftermath of last Thursday’s Air India crash. Search teams are combing through debris for additional victims. The Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad has confirmed receiving 270 bodies. The sole survivor of the crash remains hospitalized but is expected to be discharged soon.
“He is doing very well and may be discharged at any time,” the hospital reported on Saturday.
Families of the deceased are submitting DNA samples to help authorities identify remains.
