In a tragic incident on the morning of October 2, 2024, a helicopter carrying three individuals—two pilots and an engineer—crashed in Pune’s Bavdhan area. The helicopter, which took off from a nearby helipad around 6:45 am, went down in hilly terrain before catching fire, leading to the loss of all lives onboard.
Key Details of the Crash:
- Victims Identified: The helicopter carried two pilots, Paramjit Singh and G.K. Pillai, and an engineer, Pritam Bharadwaj.
- Location: The helicopter crashed in Bavdhan, a hilly region in Pune, shortly after departing from a helipad located near a golf course.
- Fire After Crash: Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke and flames from the wreckage. Emergency services, including fire tankers from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), were dispatched to the scene.
Official Statements 🔍:
According to Devendra Prabhakar Potphode, Pune’s chief fire officer, the helicopter had scattered parts and was smouldering when rescue teams arrived. All three victims were recovered and handed over to the police for further procedures.
- The chopper, identified with registration number VT EVV, was reportedly owned by Heritage Aviation and chartered by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
- NCP Chief Sunil Tatkare confirmed that the helicopter was scheduled for a trip to Mumbai, and he was planning to use it to visit Raigad.
Possible Cause of the Crash 🌫️:
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, initial reports suggest that dense fog in the area may have contributed to the mishap.
This accident follows another helicopter crash in August in Pune’s Paud village, where four occupants survived despite injuries.
Ongoing Investigation 🕵️♂️:
Authorities are continuing to gather more information regarding the incident, and further updates will follow as details emerge about the cause of the crash and any additional factors involved.
This tragic accident has once again raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, especially in challenging weather conditions.