At least 5 dead as helicopter with 7 on board crashes in Uttarkashi

By | May 8, 2025

Uttarkashi Helicopter Crash: 5 Killed, 2 Critically Injured in Devastating Accident

Uttarkashi, May 8, 2025 — A helicopter carrying seven people crashed near Ganganani in Uttarkashi on Wednesday morning. The tragic accident claimed five lives and left two others critically injured.

What Happened?

The helicopter took off from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun and was headed to Kharsali. Shortly after takeoff, it lost contact with air traffic control. Within minutes, it crashed into a hilly area near Ganganani.

Local residents heard a loud explosion. They rushed to the site and found the helicopter in flames. Debris was scattered across the forested terrain.

Victims and Survivors

The crash killed five passengers on the spot. The victims were identified as Vinit Gupta, Arvind Agarwal, Vipin Agarwal, Pinki Agarwal, and Rashmi. Another passenger, Kishore Jadhav, and the pilot, Capt. Robin Singh, survived but suffered serious injuries. Rescue teams moved both survivors to a nearby hospital.

Quick Rescue Response

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and medical teams arrived at the crash site quickly. Despite the tough terrain, they managed to rescue the injured and recover the bodies. Villagers also joined the effort and helped pull people from the wreckage.

Government Reaction and Investigation

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief and assured full support to the victims’ families. He also ordered an urgent investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will look into possible causes, including technical failure or human error.

Officials have already started collecting evidence from the crash site.

Safety Concerns Rise Again

Helicopter travel is common in Uttarakhand due to religious tourism and hard-to-reach locations. But this accident raises new concerns about flight safety. The state has seen several such tragedies in recent years.

Eyewitnesses said the helicopter was unstable before the crash. Some heard strange noises, suggesting possible engine trouble.

A Reminder of Aviation Risks

The crash is a painful reminder of the dangers of flying in mountainous areas. As the Char Dham Yatra season begins, aviation officials face pressure to improve safety standards.

Authorities have promised swift action to prevent similar accidents in the future.