In the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, the search is continuing for survivors after a helicopter crash involving six people, including five pilgrims.
This is reported by the BBC.
The state’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, said the helicopter crashed near a village close to the town of Joshimath in Chamoli district. Rescue teams have been sent to the mountainous area, but the condition of those on board is currently unknown.
It is known that this afternoon the helicopter took off from the Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath, after which contact with it was lost.
The cause of the crash has also not yet been established. The incident comes amid reports of heavy rain and poor visibility in the region.
Uttarakhand is a Himalayan state bordering China and Nepal; it is home to some of Hinduism’s holiest sites, visited by millions of pilgrims each year.
Badrinath is one of the four sacred sites on the “Char Dham” pilgrimage circuit, along with Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Many devotees make their way through steep Himalayan valleys to reach these temples, which, because of harsh winter weather, are open to visitors only for part of the year.