Helicopter Crashes During Recovery Operation Near Mandakini River
A helicopter, damaged during a previous landing at Kedarnath Dham, crashed near the Mandakini River during a recovery mission. The helicopter, operated by a private company, slipped from an MI-17 chopper and plunged into the river. The incident, caught on camera, has raised concerns, though no immediate reports of injuries have emerged.
Helicopter’s Role in Kedarnath Pilgrimage
The helicopter had been actively ferrying passengers to Kedarnath temple before it sustained damage during a landing. Its recovery was part of ongoing efforts to maintain operations during the Kedarnath yatra, a pilgrimage heavily impacted by severe weather.
Heavy Rains Disrupt Kedarnath Yatra
Heavy rains have significantly affected the Kedarnath yatra, making the trek route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath unsafe. Pilgrims have relied on helicopters to reach the temple, as the traditional route was suspended throughout August.
Large-Scale Rescue Operations
Thousands of people were stranded along the route due to rain-triggered landslides. In response, the administration launched a large-scale rescue operation. The Indian Air Force deployed Chinook and MI-17 helicopters, along with private choppers, to assist in these efforts. Unfortunately, during one of these missions, the damaged helicopter slipped and crashed.
This crash adds to the challenges faced by both pilgrims and rescue teams. The authorities will likely investigate the incident to determine the cause of the failure during the recovery operation.
