Daijiworld Media Network- Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi, May 8: In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across the state, a private helicopter ferrying seven people from Dehradun’s Sahastradhara to Harshil crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district on Thursday morning, claiming five lives on the spot and leaving two others critically injured.
The ill-fated chopper, which took off around 9 a.m., went down in a steep gorge approximately 200-250 metres deep, near the picturesque but treacherous terrain of Gangnani. The helicopter belonged to a private operator and was carrying tourists, including Vinit Gupta, Arvind Agarwal, Vipin Agarwal, Pinki Agarwal, Rashmi, and Kishore Jadhav, along with pilot Robin Singh.
According to official sources, four passengers hailed from Mumbai, while two were from Andhra Pradesh. As soon as reports of the crash surfaced, local residents, along with personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Quick Response Teams (QRTs), and emergency medical services, launched a prompt rescue operation.
Police teams led by officers Naveen Kumar from Bhatwadi and Pushar Jeena from Ujeli reached the site swiftly. SDRF personnel located the wreckage in the deep gorge and commenced a challenging rescue and recovery effort under precarious conditions. The cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained, pending a detailed investigation.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured. Taking to social media platform X, he stated, “Got the news of some casualties in a helicopter crash near Gangani in Uttarkashi. SDRF and district administration teams have immediately reached the spot for relief and rescue work.”
“May God grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense sorrow. I have instructed the administration to provide all possible help to the injured and to thoroughly probe the incident. I am in constant touch with officials and monitoring the situation closely,” the CM added.
The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over the region, which has witnessed a steady influx of pilgrims and tourists during the summer season.