Search for survivors after helicopter carrying pilgrims crashes in Uttarakhand

Rescue teams are searching for survivors after a helicopter carrying six people, including five pilgrims, crashed in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, officials have said. The condition of those on board remains unclear. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the aircraft went down near a village close to Joshimath in Chamoli district. It had reportedly taken off from the Hindu pilgrimage town of Badrinath on Friday afternoon before losing contact. The cause of the crash is not yet known. The incident came amid heavy rain and poor visibility in the region, and India's weather department had issued an orange alert for the area, warning of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds. Dhami said a joint rescue operation was under way, involving the district administration, the disaster management department and the State Disaster Response Force. "I am continuously monitoring the entire incident," he said, adding that he had ordered that anyone seriously injured be airlifted for treatment. Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state that borders China and Nepal, is home to some of Hinduism's holiest shrines and attracts millions of pilgrims every year. Badrinath is one of four sacred sites on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, alongside Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Many devotees travel through steep Himalayan valleys to reach the temples, which are open for only part of the year because of harsh winter conditions. Helicopter services have become increasingly popular among pilgrims seeking to avoid difficult mountain journeys, but their safety has come under scrutiny following a series of accidents. In June 2025, seven people were killed when a helicopter carrying pilgrims crashed near Kedarnath. Another seven died in a crash on the same pilgrimage route in October 2022. Several other helicopter accidents were reported during the 2025 pilgrimage season, prompting aviation authorities to tighten safety checks and restrict some operations.