A helicopter operated by Trans Bharat Aviation reportedly crashed near Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district while returning from Badrinath to Phata. The aircraft reportedly lost contact amid adverse weather conditions, triggering a search and rescue operation.
According to preliminary information, six people, including the pilot, were on board the helicopter. Authorities launched a search operation after communication with the aircraft was lost.
Search Operation Hampered by Bad Weather
The helicopter is believed to have crashed near Chhai village, behind Hathi Parvat in the Joshimath area. Two other helicopters were reportedly deployed to locate the missing aircraft and its wreckage.
However, continuous rainfall and dense cloud cover have made it difficult for rescue teams to identify the exact crash site. According to the district administration, smoke was reportedly seen near Chhai village, raising concerns about a possible crash.
At the time of the initial report, the wreckage had not yet been located. Further details about the incident were awaited.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Reviews Situation
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he had received information about the helicopter crash near Joshimath. He stated that rescue operations were being conducted with the assistance of the district administration and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
The Chief Minister said the situation was being closely monitored. According to the source report, seriously injured passengers were being airlifted to hospitals for advanced medical treatment. Official confirmation regarding casualties and the condition of those on board was awaited.
Earlier Emergency Landings in Uttarakhand
The incident comes after two emergency landings involving helicopters operating during the Char Dham pilgrimage were reported earlier in October.
One helicopter reportedly made an emergency landing in Rudraprayag due to bad weather, while another was forced to land in Tehri following a technical malfunction.
The latest incident has renewed concerns about helicopter operations in Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain, where heavy rainfall, poor visibility and rapidly changing weather can create significant challenges.
Authorities were continuing efforts to locate the aircraft and establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further official updates were awaited.