A concerning incident occurred on the Kedarnath pilgrimage route. A helicopter flying from Sirsi (Badasu) to Kedarnath faced a critical situation. It made an emergency landing. It occurred on a highway near Rudraprayag. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members are reported safe.
Civil Aviation Authorities Alerted
The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has taken cognizance of the emergency landing. It has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Fourth Incident Since Pilgrimage Began
This marks the fourth aviation-related incident since the start of the annual Char Dham Yatra. Earlier, a helicopter made an emergency landing near the Kedarnath helipad, narrowly avoiding disaster. That flight had two AIIMS doctors and the pilot onboard, all of whom escaped unharmed.
In another tragic accident last month, six people lost their lives. A helicopter crashed near Gangnani. It was en route to Gangotri.
Damage to Helicopter and Nearby Vehicle
The helicopter involved in the Rudraprayag incident, operated by Crestel Aviation Pvt. Ltd., sustained damage to its rear section during the emergency landing. A vehicle parked on the highway was also reportedly damaged in the process.
The pilot detected a technical issue shortly after takeoff from Sirsi. As a precautionary measure, the pilot chose to land on the road. Fortunately, the controlled landing avoided any casualties.
DGCA Notified; Other Operations Unaffected
Authorities have officially notified the DGCA, and a formal inquiry has begun. Shuttle operations to Kedarnath and other pilgrimage sites continue as per schedule. There have been no reported disruptions to the overall yatra itinerary.
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