Dehradun: Six Kedarnath pilgrims had a narrow escape on Friday as their helicopter developed a technical snag, causing it to overturn before making a hard-landing a few meters below the helipad in the hilly area.

Online video shows the helicopter carrying six pilgrims from Tamil Nadu and the pilot hovering dangerously just above the helipad near the temple.

As the helicopter descended and was almost touching the helipad, people present at the helipad started running for safety. But it kept spinning and eventually made a rug landing below the helipad.

Citing preliminary reports. Rudraprayag District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwa said the helicopter's rear rotor developed a technical fault, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing.

The helicopter had taken off from Shersi and was about to land at the helipad near Kedarnath temple when the incident occurred at around 7 in the morning.

Gaharwar said, the pilot maintained composure and took quick decisions, due to which a major accident was averted.

He said that all the pilgrims and pilots are safe and the devotees have returned after visiting the temple.

Gaharwar said, further investigation is underway.