Katra crash: 7 dead, helicopter services to Vaishno Devi suspended

Among the dead was the woman pilot and six pilgrims, including a 3-month-old baby, who were reportedly heading to Sanjhichhat near Vaishno Devi shrine from Katra. The helicopter crashed during the eight minute flight when it caught fire soon after take off.The helicopter reportedly belonged to Himalayan Heli Service, which also operates helicopter services in the Chaar Dhaam



pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. The pilot's name was Sumita. Here is the complete list of the deceased: Sumita Vijayan (pilot), Arjun Singh, Mahesh, Vandana, Akshita, Amrit Paul and Sachin.The helicopter was returning from Sanjhi Chhat to Katra. Police personnel rushed to the site to see if there were any survivors. As per initial reports, the helicopter was hit by a bird after which it caught fire.