15 June 2025 | Uttarakhand
What was supposed to be a holy journey turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.
A helicopter carrying pilgrims to Kedarnath crashed this morning near Garudchatti, just minutes before landing at the temple. 7 people lost their lives, including 6 pilgrims and the pilot. Families are shattered, and the entire country is mourning.
📍 Where & When?
The chopper took off from Phata helipad around 11:20 AM and went off radar due to bad weather and low visibility. Within minutes, it crashed in a dense forest area.
💔 The Victims:
All 6 pilgrims were from Maharashtra, while the pilot, Captain Rajiv Sharma, was known for flying in tough mountain terrains.
🎥 Local villagers rushed to the spot after hearing a loud explosion. Rescue teams tried their best, but sadly, there were no survivors.
🚁 Why It Happened?
Preliminary reports point to poor weather conditions, but the DGCA will run a full investigation. Locals are raising concerns about overcrowded flights and pressure on pilots during the Char Dham Yatra season.
💬 CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim’s family. PM Modi also tweeted, calling it a “painful loss for the nation.”
🔴 This incident reminds us – while devotion is strong, safety must be stronger. Helicopter services need stricter rules, weather checks, and proper rest for pilots. Because faith should never end in tragedy.
🕊️ May the departed souls find peace.