A helicopter, belonging to Crystal Aviation Pvt Ltd, was being towed to Gauchar for repairs when it crashed in the hills near Kedarnath on Saturday. The MI-17 chopper of the Indian Air Force, in charge of towing, made an emergency landing to prevent any human casualties. The helicopter had previously made an emergency landing on May 24 due to a technical snag, but all seven people on board had escaped unhurt. There were no passengers or luggage on board during the crash.
Helicopter Crash in Kedarnath: Background and Key Information
On Saturday, July 9, a helicopter belonging to Crystal Aviation Pvt Ltd crashed in the hills near Kedarnath, Uttarakhand. The incident occurred as the MI-17 helicopter was being towed to Gauchar for repairs.
Background:
Kedarnath is a holy town located in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is a popular pilgrimage destination and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The town is accessible by helicopter from Dehradun and Rishikesh.
Crash Details:
The helicopter involved in the crash was part of a fleet of helicopters used by Crystal Aviation for ferrying pilgrims to Kedarnath. According to reports, the helicopter was being towed to Gauchar for repairs when it crashed. The MI-17 chopper of the Indian Air Force, in charge of towing, made an emergency landing to prevent any human casualties.
Previous Incident:
The same helicopter had previously made an emergency landing on May 24 due to a technical snag. However, at that time, all seven people on board escaped unhurt.
Rescue Operations:
Rescue operations were immediately launched after the crash. Teams from the Indian Air Force, the National Disaster Response Force, and the local police were involved in the rescue efforts. The area is known for its rugged terrain and heavy rainfall, making the operation challenging.
Impact:
The helicopter crash has temporarily halted helicopter operations to Kedarnath. The authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and have ordered a suspension of all helicopter flights until further notice.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What caused the helicopter crash?
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. However, it is speculated that the crash may have been caused by a technical fault or a problem with the towing operation.
2. Were there any casualties in the crash?
No, there were no passengers or luggage on board during the crash. The pilot and co-pilot escaped unhurt.
3. What is the status of rescue operations?
Rescue operations are ongoing, and teams are searching the area for any survivors. However, no one is believed to have been on board the helicopter.
4. What is the impact of the crash on Kedarnath tourism?
The helicopter crash has temporarily halted helicopter operations to Kedarnath. The authorities have ordered a suspension of all helicopter flights until further notice.
5. What measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
The authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and reviewing safety protocols. They are also considering measures to improve safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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