Six dead after helicopter crashes in northern Indian state

Five pilgrims and a pilot have died after their helicopter crashed in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, officials say.

The aircraft reportedly took off from the Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath on Friday afternoon before losing contact.

The cause of the crash is not yet known but there had been reports of heavy rain and poor visibility in the region.

Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state which borders China and Nepal, is home to some of Hinduism’s holiest shrines and attracts millions of pilgrims every year.

Badrinath is one of four sacred sites on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, alongside Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Many devotees travel through steep Himalayan valleys to reach the temples, which are open for only part of the year because of harsh winter conditions.