New Delhi: A newly-acquired Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 V5 helicopter crashed while engaged on a rescue mission in Uttarakhand Tuesday killing eight people, including its five crew members, an official statement said, adding there would be no let up in relief operations.
The helicopter, on a rescue mission from Gauchar to Guptkashi and Kedarnath crashed north of Gaurikund on the return leg from Kedarnath, the statement said.
"The eight persons onboard, including five crew members, sustained fatal injuries," the statement said.
"While a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate into the accident, the IAF's rescue operations continue," the statement added.
A private helicopter carrying relief materials for the rain-affected people in Rudraprayag district had crashed on Sunday near Gaurikund leaving the pilot injured.
While the incident is said to have taken place due to bad weather, the reason for the crash is yet to be ascertained.
A senior Air Force officer in Gauchar said the illfated Mi-17 chopper had made two maneuvers to the Kedarnath area since this morning and was on its third sortie when it crashed.
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