Joshimath helicopter crash: Teams begin difficult operation to retrieve bodies of six victims

Teams deployed to recover the bodies of six people killed in a helicopter crash near Joshimath in Uttarakhand reached the wreckage site on Saturday. A multi-agency operation is underway to move the remains from the remote, mountainous terrain to the nearest motorable road.

The teams trekked along difficult mountain paths from Pandukeshwar to reach the crash site in Chai village, where the pilot and five pilgrims from Karnataka were found on Friday. Officials say the high-altitude location and challenging terrain have made the recovery work arduous.

The Chamoli district administration said the operation began early on Saturday and is being carried out in coordination with all relevant rescue agencies. It is expected to take several hours to transport the bodies to the nearest road, with alternative trekking routes from nearby high-altitude villages being explored.

Authorities are advising personnel to exercise caution due to adverse weather and the presence of wild animals in the area. The operation had been suspended on Friday because of darkness, bears and other hazards, and the difficult terrain.

Teams involved include the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, police, district administration and the Forest Department. Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said the administration is coordinating with the agencies and providing support to safely recover and transport the mortal remains to Joshimath.

A UCADA official noted that while the bodies had been found, recovery remained difficult because of the terrain. The remains are to be brought to Chamoli district headquarters by road after trekking, then to Dehradun after post-mortems.

DGCA and Uttarakhand administration officials conducted an aerial survey of the crash site, with a plan to prepare an investigation report. An AAIB team was also expected to visit the site as part of the probe.