IAF relief chopper crashes in Uttarakhand

A newly-acquired Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 V5 helicopter crashed while engaged on a rescue mission in Uttarakhand Tuesday killing five people, including its five crew members, an official statement said, adding there would be no let up in relief operations.

The helicopter, on a rescue mission from Gauchar to Guptkashi and Kedarnath crashed north of Gaurikund on the return leg from Kedarnath, the statement said.

"The eight persons onboard, including five crew members, sustained fatal injuries," the statement said.

"While a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate into the accident, the IAF's rescue operations continue," the statement added.