Kathmandu: Two helicopters collided in Solukhumbu, a hilly district in eastern Nepal, on Tuesday morning. One foreign national was killed and another injured in the accident, a senior Armed Police Force (APF) official said.
Suraj Pandey, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of the APF stationed in Solukhumbu district, told IANS that the Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air helicopters were attempting to land at a helipad when they collided at around 8:15 am.
Nepal Police posted on the social media platform X that one person was killed and another injured in the collision between two helicopters at the Phereche Heliport in Solukhumbu.
Accident at Everest Helipad
The accident occurred at the Phereche helipad in Ward No. 4 of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, located in the region of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.
According to DSP Suraj Pandey, initial information confirmed the death of one foreign national and the injury of another. The nationality of the injured person is not yet clear. He added that the identities of the deceased and the injured have not yet been established.
Local media, quoting police sources, reported that the injured person was taken to Lukla by Prabhu Air helicopter for first aid.
Helicopters’ rotor blades collided
Gyanendra Bhul, information officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, told local media outlet Onlinekhabar that the rotor blades of the two helicopters collided while landing at the Phereche helipad.
He said efforts are underway to gather additional information regarding the incident. DSP Pandey stated that the number of people on board the two helicopters is not yet known. He also clarified that there was no fire at the scene after the collision.
Investigation into the cause of the accident continues
According to police, the cause of the accident in the Himalayan region’s Phereche village is not yet known. Police are investigating the matter and gathering further information related to the accident.
The Everest region is very popular with tourists. Helicopters are regularly used here for transporting foreign tourists and for rescue operations.