A chopper, being transported to the Gauchar airstrip by an Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter for repairs, crashed in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag on Saturday morning.
The chopper, operated by Crystal Aviation Company, had previously made an emergency landing near the Kedarnath helipad on May 24, 2024, due to a technical fault.
The MI-17 had lifted the helicopter, suspending it beneath, for the journey. However, during the flight, the MI-17 started to lose balance due to the weight of the helicopter and the effects of the wind and crashed near the Mandakini River in Lincholi.
Sensing the growing danger, the MI-17 pilot made the decision to release the helicopter into a valley after identifying an empty area. The helicopter subsequently fell near the Mandakini River in Lincholi. The accident was caught on camera.
According to a district tourism official, there were no passengers or luggage aboard the helicopter at the time of the incident.
The helicopter had previously been safely landed by the pilot on May 24, 2024, after a technical fault was detected during its approach to the Kedarnath helipad. All passengers were safely evacuated at that time.
District tourism official Rahul Chaubey stated, "The plan was to transport the Crystal Aviation helicopter to the Gauchar airstrip for repairs this morning. The MI-17 helicopter had taken off around 7 a.m. with the helicopter suspended underneath. However, as it neared Tharu Camp, the MI-17 began to lose balance due to the weight and wind conditions, forcing the pilot to release the helicopter."
Rescue teams arrived at the crash site promptly after receiving the information and are currently assessing the situation. Further investigations into the incident are underway.
PM Modi holds talks with Elon Musk on closer India-US ties in technology, innovation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a discussion with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on a range of topics, including the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation.
Nine women among 22 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh's Sukma
Security forces in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh have achieved a significant breakthrough with 22 Maoists, including nine women, surrendering on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combat Maoism, officials said.
Focus on protecting rights of own minorities: India slams B'desh on Bengal violence comment
The comments from Dhaka came in the wake of protests against the Waqf(Amendment) Act, during which Bangladesh urged Indian authorities to ensure the safety of the minority Muslim population in the state.
Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice inspires society to protect their faith for eternity: HM Shah on Prakash Parv
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, on his birth anniversary and emphasised the enduring legacy of his teachings and sacrifices.
May the spirit of peace and togetherness always prevail: PM Modi on Good Friday
On Good Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and urged people to embrace kindness and compassion, praying that the spirit of peace and togetherness always prevails.
HC asks Delhi govt, MCD to act against illegal encroachments on Yamuna Pusta Road
The Delhi High Court has ordered the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the city government to act against illegal encroachments prevailing along the Yamuna Pusta Road, which stretches from Wazirabad to Hiranki and serves as a crucial arterial route for residents and commuters.
2 killed, 6 injured in US university shooting
Two people were killed and six others were injured after an active shooter opened fire on the Florida State University (FSU) campus in Tallahassee on Thursday, law enforcement said at a news conference.
DoNER Minister bats for accelerating the Special Economic Zone in Manipur
Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday directed officials to accelerate the pace of key infrastructure projects, including universities, Information Technology and Special Economic Zone in Manipur, mental, maternity and child hospital, officials said.