Dehradun, July 24
Two persons, including the pilot of a civilian helicopter, were killed in a crash at Garudchatti in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand today. Those killed were pilot Capt Jagjit Singh Dhaliwal and technician Abhay Ranjan.

The private helicopter was reportedly on its way to the Kedarnath area in the flood-hit state. Rudraprayag District Magistrate Dilip Jawalkar said, “The helicopter crashed within minutes of its take off around 4 pm. However, the exact causes of the crash is not yet known. Both bodies have been recovered.” Sources, however, said the helicopter crashed in bad weather after apparently hitting a mountain.

The recently constructed Garudchatti helipad is being used for carrying out relief operations in the flood-hit areas. Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has announced Rs 10 lakh each as ex gratia for the families of the deceased.

Two helicopters, belonging to a Delhi-based company, had been engaged by the Uttarakhand police for ferrying personnel and rations to a police post in the Kedarnath area. Around 20 persons had died in the IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter crash near Kedarnath during a rescue mission in June.