New Delhi [India], June 15: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed deep sorrow over the tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Sunday, which claimed the lives of seven people near Gaurikund.
Taking to social media, she highlighted the urgent need for the state government to reassess aviation safety measures, especially during the Chardham Yatra pilgrimage. “This is the fifth helicopter accident since the Chardham Yatra began. There is an appeal to the state government to thoroughly review the safety standards and ensure the safety of the pilgrims,” she posted.
Offering condolences to the bereaved families, Priyanka added, “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.”
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also raised serious concerns, linking the incident to a broader trend of transportation-related tragedies in the country. Referring to the recent deadly Air India crash and rising rail incidents, Tiwari criticized privatisation in aviation and questioned the helicopter’s carrying capacity at the time of the crash.
“Rail accidents are increasing, and flight accidents are deeply hurting us. Was this helicopter even capable of carrying seven people? I solely blame privatisation—less focus on safety, more on profit,” Tiwari told ANI.
According to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Aryan Aviation helicopter was en route from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi when it crashed in a forested area near Gaurikund at approximately 5:30 am.
The tragedy has once again raised questions about flight safety during the high-traffic pilgrimage season in the challenging terrain of Uttarakhand.