Helicopter Crash Near Joshimath: Search Operation Underway
Joshimath, October 30: A helicopter returning from the revered Badrinath shrine has crashed near Joshimath, causing a stir in the region. The helicopter, operated by Trans Bharat Aviation, was carrying six people, including the pilot. Reports indicate that the helicopter went missing between Jyotirmath and Badrinath. Rescue teams from the police, SDRF, army, and ITBP have been dispatched to the crash site.
According to information, the helicopter took off from Badrinath around 1:15 PM, heading towards Dehradun. As of now, no debris from the helicopter has been located, and search operations are ongoing.
Sources suggest that the helicopter may have collided with a rock. The last known location of the aircraft was near Chai village, close to Joshimath. Rescue teams, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, are currently on-site, with SDRF teams climbing the mountain to assist in the search.
Disaster management officer Nandkishore Joshi reported that there was a fire in a white object in the forest above the JP Dam, prompting the deployment of additional helicopters for reconnaissance.
The helicopter, which took off from the state government’s helipad at 1:12 PM, lost contact with ATC and RT approximately 15 minutes after departure. Efforts to re-establish communication have been unsuccessful so far.
The passengers aboard the helicopter included Prathapa, Arun Salunke, Shankargouda VG, Sudhir K, and H.S. Nagaraja.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating that he is closely monitoring the situation. He confirmed that a joint rescue operation is being conducted by the district administration, disaster management department, and SDRF. He has also instructed that severely injured individuals be airlifted to higher medical centers for better treatment, praying for the safe return of the passengers.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.