Helicopter with five pilgrims crashes near Joshimath in Uttarakhand

A helicopter operating in the Uttarakhand Himalayas went missing on a route between Badrinath and Joshimath as deteriorating weather conditions swept through the high-altitude region. The aircraft, which was ferrying five pilgrims, lost radio contact with ground control during the journey, triggering immediate search and rescue operations.

The incident occurred in the Chamoli district, a region frequently affected by sudden weather changes that pose significant challenges to air operations. Authorities mobilized rescue teams to comb the mountainous terrain near Joshimath, where the helicopter was believed to have encountered difficulties.

The Badrinath-Joshimath corridor serves as a vital transportation link for pilgrims visiting the sacred shrine of Badrinath, one of the four principal pilgrimage sites in Hindu tradition. Helicopter services operate on this route to provide alternative transport when road conditions prove hazardous during winter months and monsoon seasons.

Localidades officials have not yet released details regarding the identity of those aboard or the circumstances leading up to the loss of contact. Search operations were ongoing as weather conditions in the region continued to remain challenging.