WB CM Mamata Banerjee Expresses Concern Over Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata/Dehradun | West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern and sorrow on social media following reports of a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath-Gaurikund-Guptkashi region on the morning of June 15.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:

"Most distressingly, another civil aviation tragedy reported today morning, this time from Uttarakhand, in the Kedarnath - Gaurikund - Guptakashi region. Seven people were on board in the helicopter including a child and the pilot, and there has been a reported crash with worst being feared by media. While we await the results of rescue and search operations, my prayers go out for each one on board."

The ill-fated helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, was en route from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi when it reportedly crashed near Gaurikund. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that seven individuals were on board, including five passengers, one child, and the pilot.

Emergency response teams have been deployed, and rescue operations are underway, though weather and terrain are posing significant challenges. Authorities are yet to officially confirm the status of those on board.