Karnataka government coordinating with Uttarakhand after helicopter crash kills six
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Governor Sudha Yadav expressed grief over the deaths of five tourists and a pilot.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Saturday that the state government is coordinating with Uttarakhand authorities following a helicopter crash near Joshimath on Friday. The accident killed six people, including five tourists from Karnataka and the pilot, Capt. Himanshu, according to reports from Deccan Herald and Deccan Chronicle.
The deceased passengers from Karnataka have been identified as Hassan businessman Prathapa, Central Crime Branch inspector Arun Salunke, advocates Shankar Gowda and Sudheer K, and poultry businessman H S Natraja. Governor Sudha Yadav also expressed condolences, stating the Governor's Office is coordinating to facilitate assistance and the repatriation of the mortal remains to Karnataka.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar described the tragedy as a matter of grave concern. He said that officials in Delhi are paying close attention to the matter and that he has conveyed all necessary information to them.
Shivakumar noted that the victims had travelled to offer prayers. He urged tourists to exercise greater caution in the future and said the government has made arrangements to ensure necessary assistance is provided to those affected.