DEHRADUN, October 31, 2026 – Intense recovery operations resumed at dawn on Saturday to retrieve the bodies of six victims following a tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. The private chopper, operated by Trans Bharat Aviation, was returning from the holy Badrinath shrine to Dehradun when it crashed into a remote hillside in the Joshimath area, killing all occupants instantly.
The victims include the pilot and five pilgrims from Karnataka. Their bodies were located in the vicinity of the shattered wreckage near Chai village.
The recovery operation, which initially began on Friday, had to be halted at night due to pitch darkness, severe terrain difficulties, and the presence of wild bears and other animals in the dense forest. Work resumed at 5:00 AM on Saturday with specialized teams, including forest department personnel, trekking through the treacherous terrain to bring the bodies down safely.
Prateek Jain, CEO of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), emphasized the logistical challenges. “The bodies were found, but the recovery is difficult due to the terrain. The mortal remains will be brought to the Chamoli district headquarters via a trek, and after post-mortem examinations, they will be transported to Dehradun,” he stated.
When questioned about why the helicopter was flying despite adverse weather alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jain noted that UCADA had also issued an advisory, and this specific aspect now forms a critical part of the ongoing investigation.
Both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have dispatched specialized teams to Dehradun and the crash site to conduct a comprehensive regulatory assessment and probe the exact technical or meteorological cause of the fatal crash.
Expressing his deep condolences, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that strict orders have been issued for a high-level probe into the incident. “We pray to God to grant the departed souls a place at his divine feet and give strength to their families and loved ones, who are going through immense grief and trauma during this difficult time,” CM Dhami said in a statement.
Published by True Roots Media Network