A helicopter carrying six people, including five pilgrims, crashed on Friday afternoon in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district near Joshimath. Officials report that rescue teams have been dispatched to the mountainous region, while the condition of those on board and the cause of the accident remain unknown amidst heavy rain and poor visibility.
Helicopter Crashes Near Joshimath
A joint rescue effort is currently underway in the mountainous terrain near Joshimath after a pilgrim transport aircraft lost contact on Friday afternoon. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the aircraft went down near a local village in Chamoli district following a departure from the Badrinath shrine.
Authorities have mobilized multiple units to scour the steep Himalayan valleys. Dhami noted that a joint rescue operation was under way involving local district administration, the disaster management department, and the State Disaster Response Force.
The Chief Minister added that he is continuously monitoring the entire incident and has issued orders for anyone severely injured to be airlifted immediately for medical treatment.
Severe Weather Alerts Impact Aerial Pilgrimage Transit
Adverse weather heavily impacted the region as the flight took place. The India Meteorological Department had issued an orange alert for the area, warning of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds alongside heavy rainfall and poor visibility.
Aerial transit has surged in popularity among travelers seeking to bypass difficult ground treks through the Himalayan valleys.
Badrinath represents one of four sacred sites on the pilgrimage circuit, alongside Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Prior Incidents on the Char Dham Route
Friday’s accident follows aviation incidents across the sacred pilgrimage trail. Prior disasters on the same mountain paths have repeatedly claimed lives and drawn regulatory attention.
- In June 2025, seven people were killed when a helicopter carrying pilgrims crashed near Kedarnath.
- An identical death toll was recorded in October 2022, when another seven died in a crash on the same pilgrimage route.
- A series of other aviation accidents were reported during the 2025 pilgrimage season, leading aviation authorities to tighten safety checks and restrict specific operations.
Unknown Cause of the Chamoli District Incident
Details regarding the flight remain unconfirmed as search teams the cause of the crash have not yet been established by officials near Joshimath.
The condition of those on board remains unclear while responders continue their search through the mountainous zone.