Yavatmal, India: A tragic helicopter crash near Kedarnath claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including a family from Wani in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. The crash occurred on Sunday morning while the helicopter was en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi.

The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, reportedly crashed in a forested area near Gaurikund around 5:30 a.m., shortly after take-off. It is believed that poor weather conditions, including low visibility, contributed to the accident. The helicopter caught fire on impact, and all passengers, including the pilot, were killed.

Among the victims were Rajkumar Jaiswal, his wife Shraddha, and their two-year-old daughter, Kashi. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through their hometown of Wani, where the family was known to be on a pilgrimage.

Heartbreakingly, it was later revealed that the Jaiswal family had boarded the helicopter after their relatives gave up their seats to a sick girl and her grandmother. The decision, made out of compassion, inadvertently saved the lives of Rajkumar’s sister and her family, who had planned to travel on the same flight.

Rescue and recovery operations were quickly launched, and the Uttarakhand government has temporarily suspended helicopter services operated by Aryan Aviation in the region. This is the fifth aviation accident in the Kedarnath area since April this year, raising concerns about flight safety in the high-altitude pilgrimage zone.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have begun investigations. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and promised strict action based on the findings of the inquiry.

Officials have also stated that flights in the region will be reviewed, and safety protocols will be strengthened to prevent future tragedies during the pilgrimage season.