Maharashtra Couple, Daughter Die in Kedarnath Helicopter Crash—But How Did Their Son Survive?

Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) [India] June 15: A helicopter carrying pilgrims to the Kedarnath temple crashed early Sunday in the forests of Gaurikund. Seven people, including a toddler and her parents from Maharashtra, lost their lives. The couple, Rajkumar and Shraddha Jaiswal, were visiting from Yavatmal with their daughter Kashi. Their son Vivaan, by chance, stayed back with his grandfather in Pandharkawda. This one decision saved his life.

Maharashtra Family’s Pilgrimage Turns Fatal

Rajkumar Jaiswal, a transport businessman, left Yavatmal with his family on June 12 to offer prayers at Kedarnath. The holy visit was meant to bring blessings but instead became a story of loss. Local leader Vishvas Nandekar confirmed their identities. The family boarded the helicopter from Guptkashi, hoping for a peaceful darshan, not knowing it would be their final journey. Their absence has left their town in deep shock.

Helicopter Crashes Near Kedarnath

According to officials, the helicopter took off at 5:19 am from Kedarnath for Guptkashi but soon lost visibility due to heavy fog. It crashed in the nearby Gaurikund forest. The pilot, Rajveer Singh Chauhan, also died. Other passengers included Vinood Devi from Uttar Pradesh and a teenager, Tushti Singh. A temple trust member, Vikram Singh Rawat, was also on board. NDRF and SDRF teams reached the spot quickly, but no one survived.

Weather Likely to Blame

The Rudraprayag Disaster Officer shared that the crash may have happened because of zero visibility. Dense fog and changing mountain weather often pose risks during such flights. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will now look into the matter. Helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra have been stopped for two days after the crash, as ordered by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The skies above Kedarnath remain silent and mourning.

Recent Helicopter Accidents Raise Concern

This is not the first crash in the region. Earlier on May 8, six people died in a Gangotri-bound helicopter crash. Just a week ago, another helicopter heading to Kedarnath made an emergency landing due to technical issues. These repeated accidents raise serious questions about safety during religious travel. Many pilgrims risk their lives to seek blessings, but these tragic events leave families broken forever. The government may now need to rethink safety norms for devotees.