Helicopter Crash in Kedarnath: Airlift Attempt by MI-17 Helicopter Fails Due to Cable Break, Leading to Crash

A helicopter crashed near Bhimbali between Kedarnath and Gauchar. According to reports, a fault occurred in a Kistral helicopter at the Kedarnath temple. As a result, the MI-17 helicopter was lifting it. During this process, the cable broke, causing the Kistral helicopter to fall.

The KESTRAL Aircraft which was being taken underslung from #KedarNath to #Gauchar has been released midway on the river near Bhimballi#helicopter #India #BreakingNews #safefly #chardham pic.twitter.com/zDooyF7dY0

— Safe Fly Aviation (@AirCharterIndia) August 31, 2024

Technical Fault Causes Helicopter Crash During Landing in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

A technical fault occurred in a Kistral helicopter during landing at Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. Subsequently, during a recovery operation, it was being lifted by an MI-17 helicopter. During the process, the cable attached to the Kistral helicopter broke, causing the helicopter to crash into the mountains.

Fortunately, the helicopter did not crash in a residential area, avoiding a major disaster. There have been no reports of casualties in the accident. However, SDRF personnel conducted a search operation at the site to locate the wreckage of the helicopter.

Helicopter Used to Transport Pilgrims to Kedarnath Temple Crashes

This helicopter was being used to transport pilgrims to the Kedarnath Temple. Due to heavy rainfall, the route leading to the Himalayan temple has been severely damaged, resulting in a significant decrease in the number of pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath since July 31.

Char Dham Yatra 2024: Over 3.3 Million Pilgrims Visit Himalayan Temples

This year’s Char Dham Yatra began on May 10 with the opening of the Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri temples for pilgrims. The doors of Badrinath were opened on May 12. So far, over 3.3 million devotees have visited these sacred Himalayan temples.