A helicopter transporting pilgrims in northern India crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday, killing all seven people onboard, marking the second aviation tragedy to hit the nation in just days.
The chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation, had departed from Kedarnath, a major religious destination, and was bound for Guptkashi when it lost control and crashed into a wooded hillside around 5:30 a.m. local time, according to reports.
Authorities suspect poor visibility and bad weather may have contributed to the crash. Emergency services have been deployed to recover the victims and investigate the site.
This latest accident follows Thursday’s catastrophic crash in Ahmedabad, where an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner heading for London fell from the sky and slammed into a residential area shortly after takeoff.
The disaster resulted in the deaths of at least 270 people, including 29 civilians on the ground.
Only one passenger survived. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen, recounted the moment of impact:
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” he told Hindustan Times.
Vishwash, who sustained multiple injuries, added, “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran.
“There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.”
He was travelling with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who was among those killed in the crash.
Following the Ahmedabad disaster, India’s aviation authorities ordered immediate technical checks on all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft in the Air India fleet, particularly those using GEnx engines.
The inspections are focused on flight control systems, fuel lines, and performance during takeoff.
International leaders have voiced their sympathy. French President Emmanuel Macron said, “In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims’ loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also sent condolences, adding, “Our full solidarity with the Indian people in this time of great sorrow.”
Both tragedies have plunged India into mourning and raised serious concerns over aviation safety in the country.