India: 20 feared dead after rescue chopper crash

For 2009-11 ER6n or ER6f1.

NEW DELHI, INDIA (BNO NEWS) -- A rescue helicopter crashed during relief operations in India, where at least 20 people are feared dead, officials said Tuesday.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter was deployed to to Uttarakhand, one of the most heavily affected areas of the country by the season's monsoon rains, when the pilot lost control and ended up crashing.

The ill-fated aircraft, an MI-17 helicopter crashed just north of Gaurikund at around 4:30 p.m. local time, with five crew members and fifteen others on board, Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne told the Times of India.

According to reports, eight bodies were initially found, and three others were located soon after. However, the others on board are though to have lost their lives as well.

Authorities believe the year's monsoon rains could be the strongest in almost 80 years. According to the country's Interior Affairs Ministry, at least 1,000 deaths were confirmed, while another 15,000 are thought to be stranded in a number of parts of the country.

Following Tuesday's tragedy, other aircraft were called back. Nonetheless, emergency teams continued their ground work, as teams have evacuated thousands.

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