Tragedy in Skies: Helicopter Crash Near Gangotri Claims Six Lives

A helicopter heading to the revered Gangotri temple tragically crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district on Thursday, resulting in the loss of six lives, including the pilot. Among those deceased were five women pilgrims. The grim accident left one man seriously injured, whose name is M. Bhaskar, a 51-year-old from Andhra Pradesh.

The ill-fated helicopter, operated by a private company, was carrying seven individuals when it plunged into a gorge along the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway around 8:45 am. It was flying from Dehradun to Kharsali, proceeding towards Gangotri when the crash occurred.

In the aftermath, the region's Chief Minister expressed condolences and urged an exhaustive investigation into the cause of the crash by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The helicopter, owned by AeroTrans Services Private Limited, raises questions about aviation safety as officials pledge all necessary support to the affected families.

(With inputs from agencies.)