Chamoli, Oct 30: A helicopter carrying six people crashed in the mountainous Vishnuprayag region near Joshimath in Uttarakhand on Friday, prompting a search and rescue operation amid persistent rain and poor visibility. The aircraft, operated by private aviation company Trans Bharat Aviation, had taken off from Badrinath Dham shortly before the incident, while authorities were yet to establish the condition of those on board.
The crash reportedly occurred near Chai village, between Badrinath and Joshimath. Teams from the district administration, disaster management department and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to locate the aircraft and assess the situation.
Preliminary information identified the helicopter as VT-HCX, which departed Badrinath at approximately 1.12 p.m. Its last reported communication placed it near the Army post on Hathi Pahad, opposite Joshimath.
Chamoli District Disaster Management Officer Nandkishore Joshi said officials had received reports of a burning white object in the forest above the JP Dam, which they suspected could be the crashed helicopter. Other helicopters have been deployed to conduct aerial reconnaissance and support efforts to locate the aircraft.
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said the administration initiated rescue arrangements immediately after receiving information about the incident. Officials are coordinating with the helicopter operator to establish the circumstances and assess the situation.
Rescue efforts have faced difficulties because of continuous rainfall and dense cloud cover across the region, restricting visibility in the mountainous terrain. Medical teams have also been sent to the area to provide assistance to those who may need treatment.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the crash and said he was monitoring the developments. He stated that the district administration, disaster management department and SDRF were conducting a joint operation.
Dhami also directed officials to arrange immediate air evacuation to advanced medical facilities for passengers who may have sustained serious injuries. He expressed hope for the safe return of everyone aboard.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan Singh Bisht said officials were gathering information about the incident. Authorities have not yet released details about casualties or the condition of the passengers.
The crash comes amid recent operational disruptions involving helicopters serving Uttarakhand’s Char Dham pilgrimage routes. Earlier this month, two helicopters made emergency landings, one in Rudraprayag because of adverse weather and another in Tehri following a technical problem.
Further information about the cause of Friday’s crash and the fate of those aboard is awaited.
