Helicopter carrying six crashes in Uttarakhand, rescue operation underway

A helicopter carrying six people, including the pilot, went missing in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, triggering a search and rescue operation, according to reports.

The aircraft, operated by Trans Bharat Aviation, was travelling from Badrinath towards Sahastradhara when it reportedly lost contact near Chai village, above Joshimath. According to officials, the helicopter's last known location was near an Army camp in the area.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said a joint rescue operation involving the district administration, disaster management department and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was under way. He said he was monitoring the situation and had directed officials to ensure that seriously injured people, if any, were airlifted to higher medical centres.

Smoke was spotted near Chai village, prompting authorities to deploy another helicopter for an aerial search. Adverse weather conditions, including rainfall and poor visibility, have complicated the operation.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for Chamoli, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, hail and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph in isolated areas. Light to moderate rainfall was also forecast, with the possibility of snowfall along the Badrinath-Joshimath route.

The condition of the six people on board and further details of the incident were awaited.