Nepal: A major accident occurred in the Solukhumbu district of neighboring Nepal, involving a collision between two helicopters. The incident took place at the Pheriche helipad during landing, when helicopters belonging to Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air collided. One Indian national died in the accident, and another person sustained injuries. A video of the incident has also emerged, showing the two helicopters colliding.
Rotors of both helicopters collided during landing
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, both helicopters were in the process of landing at the Pheriche helipad when their rotors collided, leading to the accident. Gyanendra Bhul, an information officer for the authority, confirmed the incident and stated that further details are currently being gathered.
Indian national killed; New Zealand citizen injured
According to DSP Navinraj Budhathoki of the Solukhumbu District Police Office, the rotors of the two helicopters collided while they were landing at the Pheriche helipad in the Khumbu Pasanglhamu region.
District authorities have identified the deceased as 47-year-old Indian national Vasant Kumar Balara Madu. The injured individual has been identified as 53-year-old Shailesh Kishan Patel, a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin.
The pilot of the Fishtail Air helicopter also sustained minor injuries. The injured person was transported to a hospital via a ‘Mountain’ helicopter, while the body of the deceased was brought to Lukla using a ‘Prabhu’ helicopter.
Relevant authorities are currently investigating the causes of the accident and other related aspects.
