On Wednesday morning, a tragic helicopter crash occurred in the Bavdhan area of Pune, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The helicopter, carrying two pilots and an engineer, went down shortly after taking off from a local helipad. This incident has left the community in shock and raised questions about aviation safety in the region.
The Incident of tragic helicopter crash
At approximately 6:45 AM, the tragic helicopter crash took off from the helipad located at the Oxford Golf Course. It crashed in Bavdhan’s rugged terrain in a matter of minutes. Witnesses reported that the helicopter erupted into flames upon impact, prompting immediate rescue efforts from local authorities.
The victims have been identified as two pilots, Paramjit Singh and G K Pillai, along with engineer Pritam Bharadwaj. They were flying a helicopter registered under the number VT EVV, which belonged to Heritage Aviation, based in Pune. The helicopter was chartered by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for a trip to Mumbai. According to NCP chief Sunil Tatkare, the flight was intended for a visit to Raigad.
#WATCH | Two people feared dead in a helicopter crash near Bavdhan in Pune district. More detail awaited: Pimpri Chinchwad Police official#Pune #PimpriChinchwad #Helicoptor #Helicoptorcrash #police #Bavdhan pic.twitter.com/Wmks8RuhbJ
— Lokmat Times Nagpur (@LokmatTimes_ngp) October 2, 2024Response and Rescue Efforts
Emergency services responded quickly after the crash. Fire crews from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) dispatched four fire tankers to the scene. However, the intense fire and difficult terrain posed challenges for rescue operations.
Police Commissioner Vinoykumar Choubey confirmed the unfortunate deaths, stating, “The chopper was on its way to Juhu from Oxford Golf Course resort. Our teams have responded.” Local police units, including those from the Hinjewadi area, were also deployed to assist in the rescue efforts.
Investigation into the Cause
The precise cause of the collision is still unknown as of right now. Preliminary investigations suggest that dense fog in the area could have played a significant role in the accident. Local officials are looking into weather conditions at the time of the crash to ascertain their impact on visibility and flight safety.
This tragic helicopter crash incident adds to growing concerns about aviation safety in the region, especially given a recent helicopter crash in August, where a private chopper went down near Paud, resulting in minor injuries to the pilot and no injuries to passengers.
Community Reaction
The news of the tragic helicopter crash has reverberated throughout Pune, leading to expressions of grief and condolences from various quarters. The aviation community, local politicians, and residents are all deeply affected by this loss. Many have taken to social media to express their sorrow and support for the families of the victims.
The NCP has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased, highlighting the bravery and commitment of those who work in the aviation sector. Sunil Tatkare noted the significant loss not only to the families involved but also to the community, which has lost skilled professionals in a tragic accident.
The Pune helicopter tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks involved with aviation. As investigations continue, it is hoped that clearer insights will emerge regarding the safety protocols in place and any necessary changes that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In the meantime, the families of the victims face an unimaginable loss, and the community stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time. The memory of Paramjit Singh, G K Pillai, and Pritam Bharadwaj will live on as the community seeks answers and advocates for greater safety in aviation practices.
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