Six Killed in Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash Near Joshimath

A Trans Bharat Aviation helicopter traveling from Badrinath to Sahastradhara crashed on Friday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board, including the pilot. Authorities reported that the incident occurred around 2:00 PM between Chai village and Lambagad in the Joshimath valley area.

According to official statements, Air Traffic Control lost the helicopter's location tracking while it was passing near the Joshimath valley. Reports indicate that the aircraft struck a high rock formation on Hathi Pahar, broke apart, and subsequently caught fire in a wooded area. Following the accident, Trans Bharat Aviation helicopter services have been suspended.

Accident Details and Casualties

• Route: Badrinath to Sahastradhara helipad, Dehradun.
• Time and Location: Friday afternoon at approximately 2:00 PM between Chai village and Lambagad.
• Fatalities: Six individuals, including pilot Himanshu Sabharwal (48) from Delhi, along with passengers Pratap (41), Arun Salunke (44), VB Shankar Gowda (39), Sudhir K. (50), and HS Natraja (51) from Karnataka.

Official Response and Verification

Local authorities, including Joshimath SDM Chandrashekhar Vashisht, confirmed the identities of the deceased and the suspension of the operating company's services. Previous regional aviation safety data indicates multiple helicopter incidents and emergency landings in Uttarakhand over the past thirteen years. Readers can verify official updates and safety notices through district administration announcements and civil aviation authorities.