Chopper with six on board crashes near Uttarakhand’s Joshimath

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The helicopter that belonged to ‘Trans Bharat Aviation’ crashed into a hillside near the JP Power House, officials said. Credit: X/PTI video screengrab

A helicopter on the way from Badrinath to Dehradun carrying six people, including the pilot, crashed near Joshimath on Friday afternoon (October 30, 2026), Uttarakhand disaster management officials said.

Rescue operations are currently under way and there has been no official confirmation regarding casualties. One pilot and five passengers were on board.

The helicopter, belonging to a private company, was returning to Dehradun from Badrinath when it crashed around 2.20 p.m. near Chai village in Chamoli district’s Joshimath area, officials said. The helicopter that belonged to ‘Trans Bharat Aviation’ crashed into a hillside near the JP Power House, they added.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a post on X, said: “Reports have been received regarding an unfortunate helicopter crash near Chai village, close to Joshimath. A joint rescue operation is being conducted by the district administration, the Disaster Management Department, and the SDRF.

“I am personally monitoring the situation closely. I have issued instructions to ensure that those who are critically injured are immediately airlifted to a higher-level medical facility for better treatment. I pray to God for the safety of the passengers,” he added.

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