Toddler Among Seven Killed in Himalayan Helicopter Crash in India

 

By Gilbert Mmbaya

Tragedy struck in the Indian Himalayas on Sunday when a helicopter carrying Hindu pilgrims from the Kedarnath Temple crashed, killing all seven people on board, including a toddler, authorities confirmed.

The helicopter went down mid-flight in Uttarakhand State, shortly after departing from the sacred Kedarnath shrine, located high in the mountains. Disaster response official Nandan Singh Rajwar told AFR that the victims included the pilot and six passengers, all of whom died on impact.

“The crash occurred due to what is believed to be bad weather, but investigations are still ongoing,” said district tourism officer Rahul Chaubey.

The accident casts a shadow over India’s busy pilgrimage season, particularly in the northern Himalayan region, where Kedarnath Temple, perched at 3,584 meters (11,759 feet) above sea level, draws tens of thousands of visitors each summer. Access to the site is limited to the warmer months, prompting many to opt for helicopter charters instead of enduring the rigorous mountain trek.

Second Crash in a Month

The incident marks the second fatal helicopter crash en route to Kedarnath in less than a month. In May, six people died under similar circumstances, raising concerns about aviation safety and regulation in these high-altitude pilgrimage routes.

A burgeoning cottage industry of private helicopter charter services has grown in recent years to serve wealthy or elderly pilgrims, offering faster and less physically demanding access to remote shrines in the Himalayas. However, the combination of unpredictable weather, challenging terrain, and increased traffic has led to rising safety concerns.

Nation in Mourning

The helicopter crash follows closely on the heels of an even greater national tragedy. On Thursday, a passenger aircraft crashed into a residential area in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, killing at least 279 people, according to local officials. Families across the country are still mourning the loss as emergency crews continue their work on-site.

Leaders Respond

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the helicopter crash, offering condolences to the victims’ families. He pledged a full investigation into the incident and announced plans to review safety protocols for air transport in the region.

“We must prioritize the safety of all our citizens, especially those undertaking spiritual journeys,” he said in a public address.