Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday evening following a deadly helicopter crash. The senior politician received detailed information about the accident soon after landing in Cyprus for a two-day visit. Seven people were killed earlier in the day as a chopper carrying pilgrims from Kedarnath crashed in the forests of Gaurikund amid poor visibility.
According to an update shared by the CM’s office, Modi had taken stock of the accident on a call with Dhami and assured all possible cooperation from the central government. He had also expressed deep condolences for the victims. The Uttarakhand CM informed the PM during the call that a meeting was held immediately after the incident and instructions given to form a high-level inquiry committee. A Command and Coordination Centre will also be set up for better coordination and quick action.
Dhami also took to X following his discussion with Modi — noting that the central leadership had assured all possible assistance. He also held talks with Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu following the tragic helicopter crash in Rudraprayag. According to official details, the accident took place around 5:30 am while the chopper was returning from Kedarnath to Guptkashi with five adults, one infant and a crew member on board.
Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar told PTI that zero visibility caused by bad weather likely caused the chopper to crash and catch fire. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had subsequently ordered a high-level inquiry following the accident. Helicopter operations on the Chardham Yatra route have also been suspended for two days.
The incident comes mere days after the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that left more than 250 people dead — believed to be one of the deadliest air disasters in history. Uttarakhand has also seen a slew of chopper crashes since the Char Dham Yatra began on April 30. Thirteen people have been killed while others had a narrow escape — in five separate incidents — since the Himalayan temple opened its doors at the beginning of May.