Dehradun, June 16 -- Garhwal Post Bureau

Dehradun, 15 Jun: In a heartbreaking incident on Sunday morning, seven people, including the pilot, lost their lives when a helicopter carrying pilgrims from Kedarnath crashed near Garud Chatti. The chopper was on its return journey to Guptkashi after dropping pilgrims at the Kedarnath helipad.

The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, had five passengers, one infant, and the pilot onboard. It took off from Guptkashi early in the morning and landed safely at Kedarnath. It departed again at 5:19 a.m. but is believed to have crashed between 5:30 and 5:45 a.m. in a densely forested area near Gaurikund.

According to initial reports, poor visibility and dense cloud cover in the valley are suspected...