What may have caused the tragic Kedarnath chopper crash? Officials reveal

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams immediately rushed to the Kedarnath crash spot.

Updated on: Jun 15, 2025, 10:08:47 IST

By HT News Desk

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A helicopter carrying seven people, including the pilot, which was on its way from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, crashed on Sunday morning, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) said.

Security personnel at the spot after a helicopter crashed near the Kedarnath shrine, in Rudraprayag district. (PTI)

The incident took place at around 5:20 am when the chopper was around Gaurikund. The police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams immediately rushed to the spot.

According to Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar, the accident took place above the forests of Gaurikund amid poor visibility due to bad weather.

Inspector General (Garhwal Range) Rajiv Swaroop said that the site of the crash was a very remote area.

What may have caused the tragic Kedarnath chopper crash?

While the exact reason for the chopper crash is yet to be ascertained, sources say the probable cause behind the mishap was bad weather.

Earlier, Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar, the accident ocurred in the forests of Gaurikund amid poor visibility due to bad weather.

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Inspector General (Garhwal Range) Rajiv Swaroop said that the site of the crash was a very remote area.

Sources said the chopper belonging to Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd crashed between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan in Kedarghati and caught fire.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami reacts to Kedarnath chopper crash

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed grief after the early Sunday morning helicopter crash near a remote area of Gaurikund in the State.

In a post on social media X, the CM wrote that State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, local administration, and other rescue teams were engaged in the relief and rescue operations.

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"Very sad news has been received about a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local administration, and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations," the post read.

Dhami further said that his prayers are for the safety of all travellers.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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