BKTCs Vikram Rawat Among 7 Killed In Ukhand Helicopter Crash Near Kedarnath

New Delhi: A devastating helicopter crash close to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district has claimed the lives of 7 folks, together with a 47-year-old worker of the Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), Vikram Rawat. The ill-fated helicopter, operated via Aryan Aviation, was once touring from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it crashed round 5:20 am close to Gaurikund, a faraway house 7 km from the Kedarnath shrine.

According to officers, the helicopter took off from Kedarnath at 5 am with seven folks on board, together with the pilot, Captain Rajiv. The passengers integrated a circle of relatives from Maharashtra who had been visiting the Kedarnath shrine. Rescue operations had been right away introduced, with groups from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and native management dispatched to the website.

#WATCH | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand: Today, a helicopter running a flight at the sector Shri Kedarnath to Guptkashi was once thinking about an coincidence. A complete of 07 folks had been on board this helicopter, who died at the spot. Rescue groups had been right away dispatched below the course… pic.twitter.com/DFSa7glmrI
— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2025

According to the SDRF, “Today, a helicopter operating a flight on the sector Shri Kedarnath to Guptkashi was involved in an accident. A total of 07 people were on board this helicopter, who died on the spot. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched under the direction of SDRF Commander Arpan Yadav. The incident spot was located in a very inaccessible and dense forest area, where a fast-paced and coordinated rescue operation was carried out by the joint teams of SDRF, NDRF, and local police.”

“A 47-year-old BKTC employee, Vikram Rawat, died in the Uttarakhand helicopter crash. The employees gathered at all the offices of the temple committee and expressed condolences,” Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee spokesperson, Harish Gaur, quoted.

A 47-year-old BKTC worker, Vikram Rawat died within the Uttarakhand helicopter crash. The staff amassed at all of the workplaces of the temple committee and expressed condolences: Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee spokesperson, Harish Gaur

(Pic 1- deceased Vikram Rawat) pic.twitter.com/j25AH0LfcL
— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2025

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep grief over the incident and recommended {that a} strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) be ready for helicopter operations within the state. The SOP will come with necessary technical tests and correct climate forecasting sooner than flights. CM Dhami additionally directed the Chief Secretary to represent a committee of technical mavens to study and make sure the protection of heli products and services.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami may be conserving a digital high-level assembly with senior officers from the CM place of abode after the helicopter crash between Kedarnath and Gaurikund. State Chief Secretary, Disaster Management Secretary, UCADA CEO, Garhwal Commissioner, and different senior officers are provide on the high-level assembly.

#WATCH | Dehradun | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami holds a digital high-level assembly with senior officers from the CM place of abode after the helicopter crash between Kedarnath-Gaurikund.

State Chief Secretary, Disaster Management Secretary, UCADA CEO, Garhwal Commissioner and… pic.twitter.com/lBMmoD6Jz3
— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2025

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken proactive measures, decreasing the frequency of helicopter operations to Char Dham and embellishing surveillance. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will examine the coincidence to resolve the reason for the crash.

“Today, Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter VT-BKA operating flight on sector Shri Kedarnath ji- Aryan Helipad, Guptkanshi, was involved in an accident. There were five passengers, one infant, and one crew member on board. The helicopter took off at 05:19 hours for Guptkanshi and crashed near Gaurikund. As a precautionary measure, DGCA has already reduced the frequency of helicopter operations to Char Dham and is carrying out enhanced surveillance and reviewing the operation for any further action. The AAIB would investigate the accident,” the DGCA mentioned.

Uttarakhand helicopter crash | Today, Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter VT-BKA running flight on sector Shri Kedarnath ji- Aryan Helipad, Guptkanshi, was once thinking about an coincidence. There had been 5 passengers, one toddler and one workforce member on board. The helicopter took off at… pic.twitter.com/89bUh1alEe
— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2025

This incident marks the 3rd helicopter coincidence in Uttarakhand inside a brief span. On June 7, a Crystal Aviation helicopter made an emergency touchdown at the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund freeway because of a technical fault, whilst on May 8, an Aerotrans helicopter crashed close to Gangnani, killing six folks. The fresh crash has raised issues about aviation protection, and government are operating to be sure that such incidents don’t recur.

(With Inputs from ANI)