A helicopter travelling from Badrinath to Sahastradhara was reported to have made a possible crash landing above Chai village in the Joshimath area of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Officials said the aircraft’s location was showing near the Army Camp above the village.
Information about the incident was received from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Joshimath, at 2:21 PM hrs. The aircraft was identified as a Trans Bharat helicopter.
6 people reported on board
According to UCADA officials, 05 passengers and 01 pilot were on board the helicopter. The available information did not confirm their condition, the extent of any damage or whether the aircraft had fully crashed or made a controlled landing.
Sub-Inspector Manohar Kanyal of Joshimath complete details regarding the crash or crash landing were not yet available. The location information near the Army Camp was therefore being treated as an initial indication rather than a confirmed account of the aircraft’s condition.
Search and rescue response
ANI reported on 30 October 2026 that the Indian Army and the State Disaster Response Force had been mobilised for search and rescue operations. The report attributed the information to UCADA.
Other reports published on 30 October 2026 described the helicopter as missing near Joshimath and said a search had been launched. The reports matched the flight route from Badrinath and the total of 6 people believed to be on board.
The immediate priority was to locate the helicopter and establish the status of everyone travelling in it. Further official information was expected to clarify whether the incident involved a crash, a crash landing or an emergency landing.
For residents and visitors in the Joshimath area, the reported location above Chai village identifies the immediate zone where authorities were seeking information. No verified details about injuries, fatalities, rescue or property damage were available in the initial update.
Conclusion
A Trans Bharat helicopter travelling from Badrinath to Sahastradhara was reported near the Army Camp above Chai village after a possible crash landing. 6 people were reported on board, while search efforts and official verification were under way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where was the helicopter reported?
The helicopter was reported above Chai village in the Joshimath area of Chamoli, near the Army Camp.
Q. What route was the helicopter flying?
It was flying from Badrinath to Sahastradhara.
Q. How many people were on board?
Officials reported 05 passengers and 01 pilot, making 6 people in total.
Q. When was the information received?
Information was received from the SDM Joshimath at 2:21 PM hrs.
Q. Was the helicopter confirmed to have crashed?
No. Initial information referred to a possible crash landing, and complete details were not yet available.
Q. Which teams were reported to be involved in the response?
ANI reported that the Indian Army and the State Disaster Response Force had been mobilised for search and rescue operations.
