On the morning of August 31, 2024, a helicopter being airlifted by an Indian Air Force MI-17 chopper crashed in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath. The incident, captured on camera, shows the helicopter dangling precariously before plunging into the valley below.
The helicopter, operated by a private company, was en route to the Gauchar landing strip for repairs. It had previously made headlines on May 24, 2024, when it was forced to make an emergency landing near Kedarnath due to technical issues.
District Tourism Officer Rahul Chaubey reported that the MI-17 pilot struggled with air pressure and the weight of the smaller helicopter, which led to a loss of balance. The pilot decided to release the helicopter in a remote area to avoid populated zones.
A rescue team has been dispatched to assess the situation. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading rumors about potential casualties.
The incident occurs amidst a busy Char Dham Yatra season, which began on May 10, 2024, with a high number of pilgrims visiting the region, raising safety concerns.
