SHIMLA, May 18 — Wd Cdr Chander Singh of Indian Air Force and Capt Vishal Srivastva, an Army doctor, were killed while four others including Brig B.M. Bakshi, Chief Engineer of the Border Road Organisation, had a miraculous escape when two helicopters of the IAF crashed near Surat Tal, about 60 km from Kaylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti, yesterday.

The pilot of one of the choppers Flt Lt Rajesh Bhushal was injured in the mishap.

According to Mr K.D.Lakhanpal, Subdivisional Magistrate, Keylong, the two choppers took off from Sirsawa base to carry out recce of the Kelong-Sirchu section of the Manali-Leh road for clearance of snow. While one of the aircraft landed at Stingari helipad due to some technical problem, the other proceeded further towards Leh for recce of the road. However, minutes later it crashed near Suraj Tal, beyond Baralacha pass. Its four occupants, Brigadier Bakshi, Cdr S.S. Purewal of 38 Task Force, the two pilots Flt Lt Amit Goyal and Flt Lt S.K. Yadav, escaped unhurt as the low-flying chopper fell in rivulet.

The second chopper which left along with a rescue party immediately also crashed about 5 km away from the site of the first crash. While Wg Cdr Chander Singh and Captain Srivastv died on the spot, pilot Rajesh Bhashal sustained injuries.

A court of inquiry has been ordered into the twin crashes.

The SDM, Keylong, said the cause of crash was yet to be ascertained but it was believed that air depression and high velocity winds sweeping the tribal passes were responsible for the successive crashes. The SDM has announced immediate relief of Rs 50,000 to the next of kin of each person killed in the crash and Rs 15,000 to the injured person.

CHANDIGARH (UNI): The bodies of Capt Vishal Srivastva and Wg Cdr Chander Singh were brought here on Thursday evening.

While Captain Srivastva's body was taken to his native place, Agra, for the last rites, that of the Wing Commander will be flown to Sirsawa on Friday.