Ist LD Writethru: 7 killed in pilgrims chopper crash in Indian-controlled Kashmir

All seven people were killed on Monday after a chopper carrying Hindu pilgrims crashed in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The helicopter crashed at Siar Dabri in Reasi district, about 317 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Seven people, including a woman pilot, were killed today after a helicopter belonging to a privately-run company Himalayan Heli Services crashed here at around 12:55 p.m. local time (0725 GMT)," Surjeet Kumar, a senior police officer posted in the district, told Xinhua. "The chopper was returning from Sanjichat to Katra and crashed immediately after takeoff."

Officials said the weather was foggy when the crash happened.

"It is too early to comment on the cause of crash but we can't rule out technical snag as well," Kumar said.

None of the people aboard was found alive, officials said.

Reports said flights were delayed at nearest Jammu airport in the region because of thick fog.

Eyewitnesses said the chopper caught fire following the crash and smoke was billowing from the mangled aircraft.

The victims were visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine located on Mount Trikuta.

Millions of Hindu devotees visit Mata Vaishno Devi shrine annually in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Endit