Helicopter makes an emergency away from Kedarnath helipad

In an eventful incident near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, a helicopter carrying six pilgrims and a pilot was compelled to make an emergency landing due to a technical issue on Friday morning. Fortunately, all passengers and the pilot emerged unscathed from the incident, safeguarding their well-being.

Recently released CCTV footage showcased the helicopter’s attempt to land on the designated helipad, which unfortunately proved unsuccessful. However, the pilot skillfully maneuvered the helicopter and successfully landed a short distance away from the helipad, in an open field.

According to Rudraprayag district magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar, the helicopter had taken off from the Sirsi helipad bound for Kedarnath early on Friday when an issue arose in its rear motor, prompting the pilot to make a swift decision to execute an emergency landing mere meters away from the Kedarnath helipad itself.

Gaharwar commended the pilot’s quick thinking and composed demeanor, which played a pivotal role in averting a major mishap. “The pilot’s presence of mind and swift decision-making prevented what could have been a dire situation,” he acknowledged.

Thankfully, all passengers were reported safe, and the pilgrims were able to resume their journey to the sacred temple. The incident transpired at approximately 7 am, and ongoing investigations are being conducted to determine the cause.

The Chardham pilgrimage has witnessed an unprecedented surge of devotees flocking to the Himalayan temples during the initial days of the yatra. In light of the increased footfall, it is crucial for pilgrims to diligently follow guidelines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey for everyone involved. Uttarakhand chief secretary Radha Raturi appealed to Chardham pilgrims, emphasizing the necessity of registering their visits to Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Gangotri, and adhering to their assigned dates. These measures aim to mitigate any potential issues and ensure the safety and convenience of all pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage, which commenced earlier this month following the reopening of the shrines after winter.