National: A tragic helicopter crash near Gaurikund, Uttarakhand, on Sunday morning claimed the lives of seven individuals, including seasoned aviator Rajveer Singh Chauhan. Chauhan, a resident of Shastri Nagar in Jaipur, had a distinguished career, serving over 15 years in the Indian Army before transitioning to the civil aviation sector.
Having joined Aryan Aviation Private Ltd in October 2024, Chauhan brought a wealth of experience from his military tenure, which included piloting missions across diverse and challenging terrains, managing aerial operations, and maintaining various helicopter models. His LinkedIn profile consistently highlighted his technical expertise and disciplined approach to aviation.
The ill-fated Bell 407 chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation, was ferrying pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it crashed shortly after takeoff around 5:30 AM. Poor weather conditions are suspected to have played a role in the accident. All seven occupants, including Chauhan, perished in the incident, with their bodies tragically burned.
Authorities have informed Chauhan’s father of the devastating news, and investigations into the cause of the crash are currently underway. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his condolences, underscoring the profound loss of seven lives in this unfortunate incident.
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