Helikopterulykken rapportert i går tok 20 liv

20 killed in northern India rescue helicopter crash

An Indian rescue helicopter (File photo)

Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:38AM GMT

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In flood-ravaged India, 20 people have been killed after an air force helicopter returning from a rescue mission crashed into a mountain.

On Tuesday, the helicopter crashed into a mountain in the northern state of Uttarakhand’s Kedarnth town, falling into a river. The helicopter was reportedly carrying soldiers, police, and rescue workers.
"Twenty warriors have died. It is a loss for the entire nation," Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said on Wednesday.
"It is difficult to say at the moment how the plane crashed, if it was because of a technical fault or poor weather conditions," the Indian official added.
Earlier reports had put the death toll at eight.
Air force spokeswoman Priya Joshi said that authorities have launched an investigation into the helicopter crash. She added that some 45 aircrafts were involved in the rescue and relief operations in the northern state.
Northern India has been witnessing devastating floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains.
Reports say that at least 5,000 people have already died from the flooding. Thousands of others are still said to be stranded in the mountainous areas of Uttarakhand, the epicenter of the flooding.
On June 24, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern over the large number of lives lost during torrential floods, saying the UN was ready to “lend its assistance to emergency recovery and rebuilding efforts if needed.”
Meanwhile, Indian media sources say the deadly floods are man-made, due to widespread construction, massive mining, and power projects in the northern states.
The monsoon season, lasting from June to October, causes floods with widespread destruction. This year, India's monsoon rains are a month ahead of schedule