A tragic helicopter crash occurred in Pune's Bavdhan area earlier today, leading to the loss of three lives, including two pilots and an engineer. The private helicopter believed to be on a test flight, crashed shortly after takeoff, sending shockwaves through the local community.

The incident occurred around 11:30 AM when the helicopter, operated by a private aviation company, encountered a technical issue mid-flight. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by the sight of the chopper spiralling out of control before crashing into an open field near a residential area in Bavdhan. Emergency response teams, including the police, fire department, and medical personnel, rushed to the scene but found that all three onboard had succumbed to their injuries.

The victims have been identified as two experienced pilots and a senior aviation engineer, whose names are yet to be officially released. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting mechanical failure as a possible reason.

Residents in Bavdhan were left shaken by the incident, many of whom expressed concerns about the proximity of the crash to residential buildings. Fortunately, no civilians were harmed on the ground, though several vehicles and structures in the vicinity suffered damage from debris.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry into the accident to determine the exact cause and will thoroughly inspect the wreckage. Aviation safety experts will also be involved in the investigation to prevent future incidents of this nature.

As the news spread, condolences poured in from various quarters. Maharashtra Chief Minister expressed grief over the loss of lives, assuring that all necessary support would be extended to the families of the victims.

This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, even as authorities work to uncover the factors that led to this unfortunate accident.