17 presumed dead in helicopter crash in Arunachal Pradesh

ITANAGAR: Seventeen persons were feared killed when a Pawans Hans helicopter with 23 people on board caught fire and crashed into a gorge while landing in Tawang town in Arunachal Pradesh today.

Tawang District Commissioner G Padu said 17 of those on board were 'presumed dead', while six were rescued.

The helicopter, which had taken off from Guwahati at 1315 hrs, crashed near the helipad on a hilltop in Tawang town falling from a height of 15 metre into the gorge, Pawan Hans sources said.

The helicopter had 18 passengers on board, including two children. The five-member crew included Captain Barun Gupta and Captain Tiwari.

Rescue operations were continuing, the DC said.