A tragic helicopter crash has been reported near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. The helicopter was en route to Kedarnath from Dehradun when it lost contact and crashed between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan.

Initial reports confirm the death of at least five people, including the pilot. There were six individuals on board, one of whom was a child. Rescue teams rushed to the site, and search operations are ongoing. One person’s condition remains unknown at this time.

Poor weather and technical malfunction are being considered possible reasons behind the accident. This incident raises fresh concerns about the safety standards of helicopter services operating in mountainous and weather-sensitive regions like Kedarnath.

Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), have initiated an investigation. The government is also likely to issue new safety advisories for aerial pilgrimage travel in the near future.