Seven people including a pilot were killed after a helicopter carrying the Kedarnath pilgrims crashed in Uttarakhand today, officials have said.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a detailed probe into the chopper crash. According to the officials, the chopper with five passengers took off from Kedarnathji Dham for GuptKashi.
Preliminary reports suggest that bad weather conditions paved way for the mishap.
Relief and rescue operations are underway.
According to the officials, the helicopter crashed near Garu Chatti and so far six bodies were recovered.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted "Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families."
Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia tweeted that helicopter crash in Kedarnath is extremely unfortunate. We are in touch with the State government to ascertain the magnitude of the loss, and are constantly monitoring the situation.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences over the chopper crash. "SDRF and district administration teams have reached the spot for relief and rescue work. A detailed inquiry has been ordered into this tragic incident," he tweeted.
More details awaited.
