At least six passengers were killed and one was critically injured when a helicopter crashed on Thursday near the Ganganani hot springs in Uttarkashi district, local sources reported.

According to officials at the scene, the aircraft went down in a remote mountainous area, prompting an immediate response from local administration and relief teams. The sole survivor is receiving treatment at a nearby medical facility, where his condition has been described as “serious.”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he is closely monitoring the rescue and relief operations. In a post on X, he urged authorities to extend all possible assistance to the injured and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

“I am constantly in touch with officials, and every situation is being monitored,” Chief Minister Dhami wrote.

Helicopter-mounted patrols and ground teams have been deployed to secure the crash site and facilitate the retrieval of victims. The national aviation regulator has also dispatched inspectors to determine whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or other factors contributed to the accident.

Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion before discovering the wreckage. Uttarkashi district officials have warned the public to avoid the area as emergency crews continue their work.

Further details on the identities of the victims and the helicopter’s flight manifest are expected to be released once families have been notified and the investigation progresses. (ILKHA)