J&K CM Mufti Sayeed expresses grief over death of pilgrims in chopper crash

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Monday expressed grief over the death of seven persons in a helicopter crash when they were flying to pay obeisance at the holy Mata Vaishnodevi Devi Shrine near Katra.

In his condolence message, Sayeed expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased persons. He also prayed for peace to the departed souls, an official spokesman said.

Six pilgrims and a woman pilot were on Monday killed when a chopper crashed in Katra, the base camp of the shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.

According to unconfirmed reports, the chopper caught fire mid-air and the pilot averted the crash in a populated area in Katra.