Picture Credits: ANI News
Uttarakhand, INDIA: On the morning of May 8, 2025, a Bell helicopter (VT-OXF) operated by a private charter company crashed into a deep gorge near Gangnani in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The aircraft was on a pilgrimage charter flight as part of the ongoing Char Dham Yatra and was en route from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun to Kharsali helipad near Yamunotri.
The crash occurred around 8:45 AM in a rugged section of the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway, sending the helicopter plunging approximately 200–250 meters down a steep gorge.
Casualties and Survivor
Six of the seven people on board lost their lives in the crash. The deceased include:
- Captain Robin Singh – Pilot, from Vadodara, Gujarat
- Kala Chandrakant Soni – Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Vijaya Lakshmi Reddy – Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Ruchi Agrawal – Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Radha Agrawal – Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
- Vedavati Kumari – Guntakal, Andhra Pradesh
The sole survivor, Maktur Bhaskar from Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, was seriously injured and has been shifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. His condition is currently reported as stable.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Rescue operations were launched immediately by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local emergency teams. The rugged terrain and the depth of the crash site posed significant challenges during the rescue and recovery efforts.
A formal investigation has been launched by aviation authorities to determine the cause of the crash. Weather conditions, flight records, and mechanical aspects of the aircraft will be key components of the ongoing inquiry.
Government Response
The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand expressed deep sorrow and has called for a high-level probe into the incident. Directives have been issued to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care and that the families of the deceased are provided with immediate support.
With increased reliance on helicopter services for Char Dham Yatra and similar routes, aviation authorities are likely to examine current safety measures, operational standards, and regulatory enforcement to reduce future risks.
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