Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a high-level probe into the tragic helicopter crash near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district. The accident claimed the lives of six people, including five women, while one person was seriously injured. The CM directed officials to conduct a transparent investigation and submit a detailed report to the government to identify the cause of the crash.
Expressing grief over the incident, CM Dhami emphasized the need for a strong technical and strategic framework to prevent such accidents in the future. He also instructed that safety standards in helicopter operations be reviewed and all necessary upgrades implemented without delay, asserting that the safety of pilgrims, tourists, and locals remains the government’s top priority.
The private helicopter, carrying seven people including the pilot, had taken off from Kharsali en route to Harsil and Gangotri Dham on Thursday morning. As it approached Gangnani, it reportedly lost control and plunged nearly 200 meters into a deep gorge.
Upon receiving information, teams from the district administration, police, SDRF, paramilitary forces, health department, and forest department rushed to the site and initiated a rescue operation. Five people died on the spot, while two were found critically injured. One of them succumbed during the rescue, and the remaining injured person was airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh via Sanjeevani heli service from Natheen helipad for emergency treatment.
