BKTC’s Vikram Rawat Amongst 7 Killed In U’khand Helicopter Crash Close to Kedarnath | India Information

New Delhi: A devastating helicopter crash close to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district has claimed the lives of seven individuals, together with a 47-year-old worker of the Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), Vikram Rawat. The ill-fated helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, was touring from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it crashed round 5:20 am close to Gaurikund, a distant space 7 km from the Kedarnath shrine.

In keeping with officers, the helicopter took off from Kedarnath at 5 am with seven individuals on board, together with the pilot, Captain Rajiv. The passengers included a household from Maharashtra who had been visiting the Kedarnath shrine. Rescue operations had been instantly launched, with groups from the Nationwide Catastrophe Response Power (NDRF), State Catastrophe Response Power (SDRF), and native administration dispatched to the location.

#WATCH | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand: At present, a helicopter working a flight on the sector Shri Kedarnath to Guptkashi was concerned in an accident. A complete of 07 individuals had been on board this helicopter, who died on the spot. Rescue groups had been instantly dispatched beneath the path… pic.twitter.com/DFSa7glmrI
— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2025

In keeping with the SDRF, “At present, a helicopter working a flight on the sector Shri Kedarnath to Guptkashi was concerned in an accident. A complete of 07 individuals had been on board this helicopter, who died on the spot. Rescue groups had been instantly dispatched beneath the path of SDRF Commander Arpan Yadav. The incident spot was positioned in a really inaccessible and dense forest space, the place a fast-paced and coordinated rescue operation was carried out by the joint groups of SDRF, NDRF, and native police.”

“A 47-year-old BKTC worker, Vikram Rawat, died within the Uttarakhand helicopter crash. The staff gathered in any respect the places of work of the temple committee and expressed condolences,” Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee spokesperson, Harish Gaur, quoted.

A 47-year-old BKTC worker, Vikram Rawat died within the Uttarakhand helicopter crash. The staff gathered in any respect the places of work of the temple committee and expressed condolences: Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee spokesperson, Harish Gaur

(Pic 1- deceased Vikram Rawat) pic.twitter.com/j25AH0LfcL
— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2025

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep grief over the incident and instructed {that a} strict Commonplace Working Process (SOP) be ready for helicopter operations within the state. The SOP will embrace necessary technical checks and correct climate forecasting earlier than flights. CM Dhami additionally directed the Chief Secretary to represent a committee of technical consultants to evaluation and make sure the security of heli companies.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami can also be holding a digital high-level assembly with senior officers from the CM residence after the helicopter crash between Kedarnath and Gaurikund. State Chief Secretary, Catastrophe Administration Secretary, UCADA CEO, Garhwal Commissioner, and different senior officers are current on the high-level assembly.

#WATCH | Dehradun | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami holds a digital high-level assembly with senior officers from the CM residence after the helicopter crash between Kedarnath-Gaurikund.

State Chief Secretary, Catastrophe Administration Secretary, UCADA CEO, Garhwal Commissioner and… pic.twitter.com/lBMmoD6Jz3
— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2025

The Directorate Common of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken proactive measures, lowering the frequency of helicopter operations to Char Dham and enhancing surveillance. The Plane Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will examine the accident to find out the reason for the crash.

“At present, Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter VT-BKA working flight on sector Shri Kedarnath ji- Aryan Helipad, Guptkanshi, was concerned in an accident. There have been 5 passengers, one toddler, and one crew member on board. The helicopter took off at 05:19 hours for Guptkanshi and crashed close to Gaurikund. As a precautionary measure, DGCA has already diminished the frequency of helicopter operations to Char Dham and is finishing up enhanced surveillance and reviewing the operation for any additional motion. The AAIB would examine the accident,” the DGCA mentioned.

Uttarakhand helicopter crash | At present, Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter VT-BKA working flight on sector Shri Kedarnath ji- Aryan Helipad, Guptkanshi, was concerned in an accident. There have been 5 passengers, one toddler and one crew member on board. The helicopter took off at… pic.twitter.com/89bUh1alEe
— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2025

This incident marks the third helicopter accident in Uttarakhand inside a brief span. On June 7, a Crystal Aviation helicopter made an emergency touchdown on the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund freeway because of a technical fault, whereas on Could 8, an Aerotrans helicopter crashed close to Gangnani, killing six individuals. The current crash has raised issues about aviation security, and authorities are working to make sure that such incidents don’t recur.

(With Inputs from ANI)