Seven dead as helicopter crashes in huge fireball on foggy mountainside on journey to tourist hotspot in India

A HORROR helicopter crash has left seven people dead near a tourist hotspot in India. The chopper which was carrying passengers towards Guptkashi crashed on a foggy mountainside just moments after taking off sparking a massive fireball. Jam Press Vid/TIMThe helicopter crashed just moments after taking off[/caption] Jam Press Vid/TIMThe chopper crashed on a mountainside in Uttarakhand[/caption] Jam PressThe horrific crash has left seven people dead[/caption] The aircraft’s pilot Anil Singh alongside six passengers boarded the plane today before it crashed at 11.45am local time in Uttarakhand. Rescue workers rushed to the scene, finding debris spread across the mountain range. Footage shows smoke billowing across the hilly area, surrounded by dark clouds. All onboard the Aryan Aviation Private Limited helicopter were killed in the accident. READ MORE ON WORLD NEWS INFERNO Fighter jet slams into building in Russia killing 13 as bodies trapped in rubble GHOST SHIP How £1BILLION cruise ship that NEVER launched could be saved from the scrapheap According to local media, the victims have been identified as Poorva Ramanuja, Urvi, Sujata, Kirti, Prem Kumar and Kala. The cause of the crash is not yet known but officials have suggested the bad weather may have been a factor. The heads of state have since paid tribute to the victims of the accident. Indian President Droupadi Murmu said: “The news of the death of many pilgrims including the pilot in the helicopter crash near Kedarnath Dham is very sad. Most read in The Sun SKY'S THE LIMIT Sky launches new TV box with a twist - and it costs less than £1 a day Best seller Amanda Owen flooded by support from Our Yorkshire Farm fans after big news FAIER GAME Ferne McCann breaks silence amid voice note row saying ‘I confront difficulties' SHOW OF TRUSS Hunt warns of more 'difficult decisions' on Oct 31 as he & Truss face MPs HANG YOUR COAT UP Brits to enjoy 18C Indian Summer and it's set to last until Halloween HAIR RAISING I wanted to be cool so I got my eyebrows laminated - now I look like Mr Bean “My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.” The country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi added: “Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families.” Minister of State for Civil Aviation of India Jyotiraditya Scindia said: “The helicopter crash in Kedarnath is extremely unfortunate. “We are in touch with the State government to ascertain the magnitude of the loss, and are constantly monitoring the situation.”