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Six dead after helicopter crashes in northern Indian state

The aircraft reportedly took off from the Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath on Friday afternoon before losing contact.

BBC World•

Five pilgrims and a pilot have died after their helicopter crashed in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, officials say.

Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the helicopter had crashed near a village close to Joshimath in Chamoli district.

Rescue teams were dispatched to the mountainous area to look for survivors but bodies were later recovered.

Badrinath is one of four sacred sites on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, alongside Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Many devotees travel through steep Himalayan valleys to reach the temples, which are open for only part of the year because of harsh winter conditions.