Tragedy Strikes Uttarkashi: Helicopter Crash Claims Five Lives

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is set to launch an exhaustive investigation into the tragic helicopter crash that occurred in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi District on Thursday, leaving five people dead and two seriously injured. The incident has prompted an immediate response from local authorities and relief teams.

The helicopter, operated by Aero Trans Service Private Limited and registered as VT-OXF, was chartered from Ahmedabad. It carried six passengers and a pilot on board when it went down near Ganganani in the border district of Uttarkashi. Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated that emergency services, including the local police, magistrate, and State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), quickly deployed to the crash site, managing to rescue and airlift one survivor while confirming six fatalities.

Following the heartbreaking news, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared his condolences on X, expressing sadness over the loss of lives. He confirmed the deployment of SDRF and district administration teams for rescue operations and emphasized his continuous communication with officials, with a commitment to assist the affected families and ensure a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash.

(With inputs from agencies.)