Kathmandu (Rajeev Sharma): An Indian national lost their life after two helicopters collided during landing operations at Pheriche in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district on Tuesday morning. Another foreign passenger sustained injuries in the accident, police officials confirmed.
The collision took place at approximately 8:11 am local time at a helipad in Ward 4 of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. The aircraft involved were operated by Air Dynasty and Fishtail Air, according to the District Police Office.
Pheriche is a key stop along the trekking route leading towards Mount Everest Base Camp and is located around 150 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu.
Police Inspector Mausam Tamang confirmed the fatality but said the identity of the deceased foreign national was yet to be established. The injured passenger was initially taken for medical assistance and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Lukla.
According to police information, the collision did not trigger a fire, although both helicopters were involved in the landing accident.
The circumstances that led to the two aircraft colliding remain unclear. Authorities have begun examining the incident and are collecting further information to determine how the accident occurred.
The crash has once again drawn attention to aviation safety in Nepal’s mountainous Everest region, where helicopters play an important role in transporting tourists, mountaineers and carrying out emergency evacuation operations.
Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
