Seven dead as helicopter crashes in huge fireball on foggy mountainside on journey to tourist hotspot in India | The Sun
A HORROR helicopter crash has left seven people dead near a tourist hotspot in India.
The chopper which was carrying passengers towards Guptkashi crashed on a foggy mountainside just moments after taking off sparking a massive fireball.
The aircraft's pilot Anil Singh alongside six passengers boarded the plane today before it crashed at 11.45am local time in Uttarakhand.
Rescue workers rushed to the scene, finding debris spread across the mountain range.
Footage shows smoke billowing across the hilly area, surrounded by dark clouds.
All onboard the Aryan Aviation Private Limited helicopter were killed in the accident.
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According to local media, the victims have been identified as Poorva Ramanuja, Urvi, Sujata, Kirti, Prem Kumar and Kala.
The cause of the crash is not yet known but officials have suggested the bad weather may have been a factor.
The heads of state have since paid tribute to the victims of the accident.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu said: "The news of the death of many pilgrims including the pilot in the helicopter crash near Kedarnath Dham is very sad.
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"My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones."
The country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi added: "Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families."
Minister of State for Civil Aviation of India Jyotiraditya Scindia said: "The helicopter crash in Kedarnath is extremely unfortunate.
"We are in touch with the State government to ascertain the magnitude of the loss, and are constantly monitoring the situation."
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