Indian Army's ALH Dhruv Helicopter With 3 Onboard Crashes in Kishtwar, All Safe

An Indian Army helicopter has crashed in the Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar region and multiple injuries have been reported.

Image: ANI

An Indian Army Helicopter has crashed in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir. The helicopter was flying with 3 Indian Army officers on board, including two pilots and a technician. Officials earlier said the helicopter was carrying a commanding officer as well. As per the preliminary reports, the helicopter is ALH Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter) and at least two people onboard the ill-fated chopper have been injured severely. The crash took place in a forested area in Jammu and Kashmir Kishtwar district, officials said.

The advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv on an operational mission came down on the banks of a river in Marwah area, cut off from the district headquarters due to heavy snow. The Army helicopter crashed after a 'hard landing' following a technical fault.

A court of inquiry has been ordered and further details are being ascertained, the Army said in a statement. "At about 1115 hours on 04 May 2023, an Army Aviation ALH Dhruv helicopter on an operational mission made a precautionary landing on the banks of Marua river in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir," the Udhampur-based Northern Command said in a statement.

The pilots had reported a technical fault to the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) and proceeded for a precautionary landing, it said. "Due to the undulating ground, undergrowth and unprepared landing area, the helicopter apparently made a hard landing. Immediate rescue operations were launched and Army rescue teams reached the site," the statement said.

The injured have been evacuated to command hospital, Udhampur, the Army said. Locals in the area rushed to the site and helped rescue the injured men. The wreckage of the helicopter was found on the banks of the river, said Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Khalil Ahmad Poswal.

Earlier this March, two pilots were killed after an Indian Army Aviation Cheetah helicopter crashed near the Mandala hills area in Arunachal Pradesh, reported ANI.