In a tragic development, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crashed in Gaurikund, leaving all 20 people on board dead. mishap occurred while the rescue chopper MI-17 V5 had gone from Gauchar to Guptkashi and Kedarnath. It crashed near Gaurikund while making the return journey. It is not clear how the chopper crashed. But, fog and bad weather could be the reason.
Among the people on board, 9 were from the NDRF, 5 from IAF and 6 from the ITBP. A court of inquiry has been ordered into the incident. The IAF has decided to continue with its rescue operation despite the tragedy. Over 8,000 people are still stranded in various areas. The rescue operations were hit by bad weather today.
Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the jawans killed in the crash. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has expressed grief over the tragedy. At least 13 bodies have been recovered so far.
