Recovery operation resumes for helicopter crash victims in Uttarakhand
Teams are working to retrieve the bodies of six people from a remote hillside in Joshimath.
Rescue operations to recover the bodies of six victims of a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand resumed at 5 am on Saturday, according to The Hindu. The crash occurred on Friday afternoon when a Trans Bharat Aviation helicopter, carrying pilgrims from Badrinath, hit a hillside in Joshimath.
The victims include a pilot from Delhi and five pilgrims from Karnataka. Their bodies were located near the wreckage in Chai village, but recovery has been hindered by difficult terrain, darkness, and the presence of wild animals.
Joint teams from the SDRF, local police, the Forest Department, the Indian Army, ITBP, and NDRF are involved in the operation. Officials said the mortal remains will be brought to Chamoli district headquarters via a trek before being moved to Dehradun following post-mortem examinations.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said orders have been issued to investigate the exact cause of the accident. He expressed grief for the families of the deceased.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has dispatched a team to Dehradun for a preliminary assessment. An Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team is also expected to reach the site to probe the crash.
Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) CEO Prateek Jain said an advisory had been issued, but the decision to allow flights despite weather alerts is now part of the investigation.