A helicopter belonging to AIIMS Rishikesh’s air ambulance service crash-landed near the holy pilgrimage site of Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand on Saturday. The incident was caused by damage to the rear part of the helicopter, according to Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, as reported by ANI.
Despite the crash-landing, all three passengers on board — including one doctor, one pilot, and one medical staff member — are reported safe and unharmed. The helicopter was operating in a region that experiences heavy helicopter traffic during the Char Dham Yatra season, which draws thousands of devotees every year.
Kedarnath Dham, one of the revered Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, reopened for pilgrims on May 2 after a six-month winter closure. The annual Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially started on April 30, coinciding with the reopening of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, marked by Vedic chants and rituals.
The air ambulance plays a crucial role in providing medical assistance and emergency evacuations in this remote and challenging terrain, especially during the busy pilgrimage season. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the helicopter damage and are reviewing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident underscores the challenges faced during the peak pilgrimage season, with increased air traffic over the region and the vital importance of ensuring safe and efficient medical transport services for pilgrims and residents alike.
Sources By Agencies
