Helicopter Crash Near Kedarnath Raises Serious Safety Questions As 5 Die, Probe On Aryan Aviation's Operations

A tragic helicopter crash near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand has left five people dead and one woman critically injured, with her condition still unclear. The Aryan Aviation chopper reportedly crashed in the forested area between Gaurikund and Sonprayag, a high-altitude terrain that has seen multiple helicopter accidents in recent years. The helicopter had six people on board, including the pilot, and burst into flames upon impact. Charred remains of the victims have been recovered from the site.The crash site, located at a high elevation, has made rescue operations difficult, and teams are still trying to reach the exact location. Videos from the scene show the burning wreckage, raising fresh concerns about the safety of helicopter services during the Char Dham Yatra.Experts point out that most operators use single-engine helicopters, and past crashes have raised repeated questions about overloading, poor weather assessment, and lack of regulatory oversight. Today’s crash marks the third such incident in recent weeks, bringing the total death toll in such mishaps to 13 since May.Char Dham Yatra organisers and experts have demanded an immediate suspension of all helicopter services in the region and a high-level technical audit of all operators.

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