Defence Ministry orders court of inquiry into helicopter crash, IAF's rescue ops continue(Update)

The Ministry of Defence has ordered a court of inquiry to investigate the crash of Mi-17 V5 helicopter that was on rescue mission from Gauchar to Guptkashi and Kedarnath, the epicentre of the devastation caused by heavy rain and landslides in Uttarakhand.

"One Mi-17 V5 helicopter of IAF on a rescue mission from Gauchar to Guptkashi and Kedarnath on return leg from Kedarnath has crashed North of Gaurikund. The eight persons onboard including five crew members sustained fatal injuries," said a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.

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