Seven killed as chopper crashes in Katra

Six pilgrims and a woman pilot were today killed when a chopper crashed in Katra, the base camp of the Vaishsnodevi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.

The chopper of a private airliner, which was carrying pilgrims from Sanjichat helipad in Trikuta hills, crashed at new bus stand area in Katra, IGP Jammu, Danish Rana told PTI.

In the crash, seven persons including a woman flying officer were killed, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, Surinder Gupta said.

According to unconfirmed reports, the chopper caught fire mid-air and the pilot averted the crash in a populated area in Katra.

Many pilgrims opt for the helicopter service to reach the cave shrine while others trek on foot.

The shrine is located at a height of 5300 feet on the Trikuta Hills. Katra town is 50 Kms away from Jammu.

Those killed included a newly wedded couple. The deceased have been identified as Pilot Sumita Vijayn from Hyderbad, Arjun Singh, Mahesh and Vandana from Jammu, Sachin, Akshita (5) and Aaryanjeet from Delhi. The chopper belongs to Himalayan Heli service and is a 2010 make.

As per the Additional Chief Executive Officer (ACEO), Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Ajit Kumar Sahu, the passengers have a 25 lakh insurance cover.

In addition the Shrine Board has announced ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh for each of those killed including the pilot.

"The next of kin of every passenger shall be given Rs 28 lakh," Sahu said while express condolence to the bereaved families.