Dehradun, May 24: A helicopter with seven people, including pilgrims, on board made an emergency landing in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath after developing a technical snag early on Friday. The helicopter landed a few metres from the helipad at the Himalayan temple, an official said. It was carrying seven people, including six pilgrims and the pilot. Everyone is safe, he said. Haryana: Seven Pilgrims Travelling to Vaishno Devi Shrine Killed, Over 20 Injured After Their Mini-Bus Meets With Accident on Ambala-Delhi-Jammu Highway (Watch Video).

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar said the helicopter took off from the Sirsi helipad for Kedarnath early on Friday. It developed a technical snag in its rear motor, prompting the pilot to make an emergency landing a few metres from the helipad in Kedarnath, he said citing preliminary reports. Char Dham Yatra 2024 Begins: 'Har Har Mahadev' Chants Echo as Doors of Kedarnath Dham, One of 12 Jyotirlingas, Open With Full Rituals (Watch Video).

Helicopter Goes Into Tailspin Near Kedarnath Helipad:

The pilot kept his cool and took a quick decision, averting a major mishap, Gaharwar said. Everyone is safe and the pilgrims have even returned after having "darshan" at the temple, he added. The incident occurred around 7 am and further investigations are underway, Gaharwar said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)