KEDARNATH, May 17: A helicopter operated by Sanjeevani heli ambulance crash-landed near Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand on Saturday, prompting brief panic at the revered pilgrimage site. Fortunately, all on board escaped unhurt.
The chopper was en route to airlift a female devotee from Kedarnath when it encountered a technical malfunction, forcing an emergency landing before reaching the main helipad.
“The pilot quickly assessed the situation and carried out a safe landing on a flat surface, ensuring everyone’s safety,” said Rahul Chaube, District Tourism Development Officer.
A medical team from AIIMS-Rishikesh, comprising a doctor and nursing staff, was also on board the flight. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported and all personnel are safe.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the incident, Chaube added.
The emergency landing comes at a time of peak pilgrimage activity in the region, where air ambulances and helicopter services are routinely deployed for medical emergencies and high-altitude evacuations.
