A search-and-rescue operation is under way in India’s Uttarakhand state after a helicopter operated by Trans Bharat Aviation crashed near Chai village, close to Joshimath, on Friday 30 October.
Six people were reported to have been on board the aircraft. The crash was reported in the Vishnuprayag area, between Badrinath and Joshimath, with rescue teams from the district administration and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed to the site.
Aircraft location remains the priority
According to preliminary information, the helicopter was registered VT-HCX and had departed from Badrinath at around 13:12. Its last reported contact was near the Army post on Hathi Pahad, opposite Joshimath.
Chamoli district officials said a report of a white object burning in forest above the JP Dam was being assessed as a possible indication of the helicopter’s location. Other helicopters were deployed for aerial reconnaissance and to support efforts to locate the aircraft.
- Operator: Trans Bharat Aviation
- Registration: VT-HCX
- Reported occupants: six
- Area: near Chai village, close to Joshimath, Uttarakhand
- Last reported contact: near Hathi Pahad, opposite Joshimath
“We have received the unfortunate news of a helicopter crash near Chai village, close to Joshimath. A joint rescue operation is being conducted by the district administration, disaster management department, and SDRF.”
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said instructions had been issued for seriously injured passengers to be airlifted to advanced medical facilities. He also said he was monitoring the incident, while medical teams were sent to the area and officials coordinated with the operator.
Authorities gather information
Chamoli District Disaster Management Officer Nandkishore Joshi said information about the suspected crash site had emerged after reports of the burning object in the forest. Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan Singh Bisht said information about the incident was still being gathered.
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said the district administration began the rescue operation immediately after receiving information about the incident. The administration and Trans Bharat Aviation were working together to assess the situation as aerial searches and ground operations continued.
