June 8, 2025 – Uttarakhand:
A helicopter en route to Kedarnath Dham made an emergency landing on a highway in Uttarakhand on Saturday afternoon after developing a technical snag shortly after takeoff. The incident was narrowly averted from becoming a major mishap thanks to the swift action of the pilot.
The helicopter, operated by Krestel Aviation Private Limited, was carrying five passengers and took off from Barasu helipad when it encountered a sudden technical issue, as confirmed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Pilot’s Timely Action Prevents Disaster
District Tourism Development Officer Rahul Chaubey stated that the pilot quickly assessed the danger and managed to land the helicopter safely on an empty stretch of the nearby highway. “The pilot sustained minor injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, all five passengers are safe,” Chaubey confirmed.
A vehicle parked on the roadside sustained damage during the emergency landing, but no civilian injuries were reported.
Traffic and Shuttle Services Unaffected
Following the incident, the district administration dispatched a response team to the location. Efforts to clear the helicopter and resume traffic flow are ongoing. Authorities stated that the incident has not affected the ongoing heli-shuttle operations to Kedarnath, which continue to function as scheduled.
In an official statement, the Uttarakhand government assured that the safety of pilgrims remains a top priority. “The emergency landing was handled with utmost professionalism. All standard safety protocols were followed. The passengers are unharmed, and shuttle services remain uninterrupted,” the statement said.
Investigation Underway
DGCA has initiated a probe to determine the cause of the technical malfunction. Krestel Aviation and local aviation authorities are expected to submit a detailed report in the coming days.