The site of the crash in Kedarnath Valley, Uttarakhand in India as of Sunday morning. — ANI/VNA Photo

UTTARAKHAND — A helicopter crash in India's northern state of Uttarakhand on early Sunday morning claimed all seven lives on board, including a 23-month-old child and the pilot.

Rescuers were able to recover only two bodies, while the remaining five bodies were charred beyond recognition.

According to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the passengers were taking pilgrims to Kedarnath Dham from Guptkashi.

Officials said the crash occurred as the helicopter was caught in bad weather, due to low visibility on the hills. The pilot tried his best to land at a safe location, but the heli caught fire and was gutted, turning into ashes.

The crashed helicopter took off at around 5.21am and crashed at around 5.30am. The aircraft was last seen at around 5.24am in Kedarnath Valley.

The fall of the helicopter remained unnoticed till a group of local village women, who went there to collect grass, spotted the burning flying machine and alerted other villagers.

This is the second helicopter crash within 40 days. A Crystal Aviation helicopter crashed on May 5, killing six devotees who were going to visit the Gangotri Shrine.

Besides these crashes, around three helicopters, including an ambulance of All India Institute Of Medical Science (AIIMS), had to undertake an emergency landing due to technical snags.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an investigation into the crash.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the safety procedures of helicopter operations in the state will be thoroughly examined, stating that any compromise on passenger safety will not be accepted.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will investigate the crash, the second such incident in 40 days.

Following the tragic incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a virtual high-level meeting with officials to review the incident. He said the government will examine the safety procedures of helicopter operations and expressed condolences to those affected in this accident.

“Our effort is to ensure that no such accident occurs in the future,” he said. — THE STATESMAN/ANN