"Very painful": Congress President Kharge expresses condolences over Uttarakhand helicopter crash

New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday expressed profound sorrow over the tragic helicopter crash in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, which claimed the lives of seven people earlier today.
In a post on X, Kharge extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and urged both the state and central governments to investigate the incident and ensure proper safety measures to prevent future accidents.
"The news of helicopter crash in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand is very painful. Seven passengers have died. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. May God give strength to the bereaved family in this hour of grief," Kharge stated in the post.
He further stated the alarming frequency of such incidents, noting that it was the fifth such incident related to a helicopter in the last six weeks.
"This is the fifth such helicopter accident in the last 6 weeks. Accountability for these accidents must be fixed. There is an appeal to the state and central government that these accidents should be investigated and proper safety arrangements should be ensured," Kharge added.
Earlier today, a helicopter crashed in the Kedarnath sector in which seven people on board the copper died on the spot.
Five adults, one infant and one crew member were on board the Aryan Aviation's Bell 407 helicopter operating in the "Shri Kedarnath Ji - Aryan Helipad, Guptkashi" sector crashed on Sunday, the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement.
The helicopter took off from Guptkashi at 05:10 am and landed at Shri Kedarnath Ji Helipad at 05:18 am before departing again at 05:19 am for Guptkashi and is reported to have crashed near Gaurikund between 05:30 am and 05:45 am, the statement said.
The ministry said that preliminary indications suggest that the probable cause of the crash may be Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), with the helicopter reportedly airborne despite poor visibility and extensive clouding at the valley entry area. The exact cause will be determined through a detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). (ANI)