Operation underway to recover bodies from remote chopper crash site in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN Operations to recover the bodies of the six victims of the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand resumed on Saturday (October 31, 2026) morning, officials said. Rescue work started at 5 a.m. on Saturday (October 31, 2026) but the recovery from the remote area would be difficult, they said. The operation had been halted on Friday (October 30, 2026) due to darkness, the presence of wild bears and other animals and difficult terrain.
A privately run helicopter carrying pilgrims from Badrinath crashed into a hillside in Joshimath in Uttarakhand, killing all six of its occupants. The helicopter, operated by Trans Bharat Aviation, was returning from the Badrinath shrine to Dehradun. Helicopter sorties were allowed despite orange alert and CMO advice to regulate tourists, says activist Helicopter sorties were allowed despite orange alert and CMO advice to regulate tourists, says activist Activist Anoop Nautiyal said the tragedy was particularly disturbing as weather warnings had been issued in advance.
An orange alert (for heavy to very heavy rainfall and snowfall) had been issued for five districts, including Chamoli, for October 30. Helicopter sorties were allowed despite orange alert and CMO advice to regulate tourists, says activist storyline 1 The bodies of the pilot and the five pilgrims from Karnataka were found in the vicinity of the wreckage in Chai village. The district administration said that on Saturday (October 31, 2026) morning a team from the forest department was also dispatched to the site to recover the bodies.
A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is probing the crash, will also be reaching the site on the day. Uttarakhand chopper crash: All six on board killed, says Chamoli District Magistrate Uttarakhand chopper crash: All six on board killed, says Chamoli District Magistrate Five pilgrims from Karnataka and pilot from Delhi killed as helicopter from Badrinath crash amid adverse weather conditions; Congress alleges government negligence and poor safety measures; govt.
grounds entire chopper fleet operated by Trans Bharat Aviation; CM orders probe; DGCA and AAIB to reach Dehradun Uttarakhand chopper crash: All six on board killed, says Chamoli District Magistrate storyline 1 Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that orders have been issued to investigate and determine the exact cause of the accident. "We pray to God to grant the departed souls a place at his divine feet and give strength to their families and loved ones, who are going through immense grief and trauma during this difficult time," Mr.
Dhami said. Prateek Jain, CEO, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) told PTI, "The bodies were found but the recovery is difficult due to the terrain. The mortal remains will be brought to Chamoli district headquarters via a trek and after post-mortem examination, it will be brought to Dehradun." Two friends, same police batch: Karnataka loses second officer in two months Two friends, same police batch: Karnataka loses second officer in two months Karnataka police inspector Arun Salunke was among the deceased in the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand Two friends, same police batch: Karnataka loses second officer in two months storyline 1 When asked about permission for flying despite an alert issued by IMD, Mr.
Jain said, "We had also issued an advisory but that is in the scope of investigation now." On Friday (October 30, 2026), officials had informed that after recovery, the bodies will be brought to Joshimath town where post-mortem will be conducted on Saturday (October 31, 2026). The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also said that its team has been dispatched to Dehradun to conduct a preliminary and regulatory assessment of the accident.
