Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. In a heartfelt message on social media, she urged the state government to urgently review aviation safety protocols, particularly in the context of the ongoing Chardham Yatra.
“This is the fifth helicopter accident since the Chardham Yatra began. I appeal to the state government to conduct a thorough review of the existing safety standards and ensure the safety of all pilgrims,” she wrote. Priyanka Gandhi also conveyed her condolences to the families of the deceased, writing, “The news of the death of seven people in the helicopter crash in Gaurikund, Uttarakhand, is extremely sad. May Lord Kedarnath grant peace to the departed souls. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families.”
Reacting to the incident, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also raised serious concerns over rising incidents in the transport sector. He pointed out that this tragedy comes just days after the devastating Air India plane crash that claimed the lives of over 240 people.
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Tiwari questioned the safety standards in place and the potential overloading of the helicopter. “Rail accidents are increasing, and flight crashes are deeply hurting us. We are still coming to terms with the Ahmedabad plane crash. Just recently, a helicopter had to make an emergency landing, and now this crash has happened. I blame privatisation — there is more focus on profits than on safety,” he said.
Tiwari also cast doubt on whether the chopper was designed to carry seven people, suggesting that some aircraft used in high-altitude areas may not be capable of handling such loads.
The fatal incident occurred early Sunday morning, when an Aryan Aviation helicopter crashed near a forested area close to Gaurikund in the Rudraprayag district. According to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), all seven people onboard were killed. The helicopter was en route from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi when it went down at approximately 5:30 am.
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