Six Killed in Joshimath Helicopter Crash Despite New Safety Measures
· India · Hindustan Times, BBC News, Indian Express
Six people died in a helicopter crash near Joshimath in Chamoli district on Friday, marking the first accident in Uttarakhand since new safety measures were introduced for the 2026 pilgrimage season. The crash occurred weeks after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau recommended pilots complete 50 hours of supervised hill flying before operating alone in the region. Eight accidents and one serious incident were recorded in the Char Dham sector between 2015 and 2025, with six accidents during the 2021-2025 period. The ministry introduced air traffic control at Sahastradhara and Sersi, command centres monitoring helipads and weather, tracking devices on all helicopters, and ceilometers at five locations including Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Why it matters
Pilgrims relying on helicopter services face renewed safety concerns, and the incident tests the effectiveness of new safeguards implemented by the civil aviation ministry for the 2026 season.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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