A surge in helicopter accidents, including two fatal crashes, has put Kedarnath's pilgrimage route under scrutiny. Pilots cite unpredictable weather, lack of air traffic control, and pressure to maintain flight schedules as major safety concerns.

The FIR accused the operator of “gross negligence” and listed several alleged lapses. It said the helicopter took off around 50 minutes before its allotted time, during conditions of poor visibility caused by clouds and fog.

Speaking to ANI on the incident, Jha compared the crash to the recent tragedy in Ahmedabad, saying both had shaken the nation. "What happened recently in Ahmedabad was very tragic, and today's incident (Uttarakhand helicopter crash) is equally heartbreaking,

Uttarakhand helicopter crash | Today, at around 5:20 am, a helicopter, which was going from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, has been reported to have crashed near Gaurikund. There were six passengers, including the pilot (5 adults and 1 child). The passengers in the helicopter… pic.twitter.com/AVGtuxWKGj

A helicopter crash near Kedarnath killed all seven onboard. Uttarakhand authorities dispatched NDRF and SDRF teams for rescue. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised the need for enhanced safety measures for helicopter services in the state.

The pilot of the helicopter which crashed in Uttarakhand Sunday morning was an Army veteran from Jaipur with about 15 years of service. Captain Rajveer Singh Chauhan was among the seven killed after the helicopter carrying pilgrims of the Char Dham yatra from Kedarnath crashed near Rudraprayag’s Gaurikund.

Uttarakhand on Sunday (June 15) morning witnessed yet another helicopter crash in Kedarnath Valley, which claimed seven lives, including a 23-month-old child and the pilot. Rescuers were able to recover only two bodies,

The DGCA has also announced that, as a precautionary measure, the frequencies of helicopter operations to Char Dham will be reduced.

Helicopter crashes or emergency landings are occurring at an alarming frequency on the Char Dham Yatra route in Uttarakhand, causing concern among people and the administration. On Sunday morning, a helicopter from Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd carrying six people including a child crashed while returning from Kedarnath near Guptkashi is the fifth mishap involving a helicopter on the pilgrimage route this year.