Overview
- Rescue teams found the group after a severe storm on Friday evening and recovered 19‑year‑old Abhinav Vajpayee, who died at the scene after a lightning strike.
- Officials evacuated two seriously injured companions to Ukhimath hospital by ambulance and provided on‑site first aid during the nighttime operation.
- A State Disaster Response Force team from Ratuda Post led by Sub‑Inspector Santosh Parihar reached the site around 11:00 PM and carried the body down through difficult terrain to Chopta.
- Some reports named Abhinav’s elder brother as a second fatality, but that account is disputed between agencies and has not been uniformly confirmed.
- Authorities have warned that fast‑changing weather in Tungnath, Chandrashila and Chopta can produce violent storms and lightning, and they previously suspended helicopter flights to Kedarnath for passenger safety.