Katra: Chopper ferrying pilgrims to Vaishno Devi shrine crashes; 7 killed

Jammu, Nov 23: A helicopter ferrying people to Vaishno Devi shrine crashed near Katra in Jammu on Monday. As per reports, the pilgrims were on their way to Sanji Chhat.

Six pilgrims and a woman pilot were killed at the base camp of the Vaishsnodevi shrine.

The chopper of a private airliner, which was carrying pilgrims from Sanjichat helipad in Trikuta hills, crashed at new bus stand area in Katra, IGP Jammu, Danish Rana told PTI.

"Copter was being piloted by a lady. Technical fault might have led to the crash. Matter under investigation," DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, Surinder Gupta said.

According to unconfirmed reports, the chopper caught fire mid-air and the pilot averted the crash in a populated area in Katra.

Meanwhile, Vaishno Devi Shrine board has announced to give ex-gratia of 3 lakh to each family of the crash victims.

Many pilgrims opt for the helicopter service to reach the cave shrine while others trek on foot. The shrine is located at a height of 5300 feet on the Trikuta Hills. Katra town is 50 Kms away from Jammu.

Meanwhile, National Conference leader and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences over the mishap.

"Very sorry to hear about the chopper crash in Katra. My prayers are with the families of the victims. RIP," he tweeted.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)