An Indian tourist has been killed and three others injured after two helicopters collided while attempting to land in Nepal’s Mount Everest region.
The accident occurred at around 8:11am local time on Tuesday at a helipad in Pheriche, Solukhumbu district, when the two helicopters collided while attempting to land, according to the District Police Office.
The helicopters were operated by two private companies, Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty.
The deceased was identified as 47-year-old Vasanth Kumar Balaramudu, an Indian national who was travelling in the Fishtail Air helicopter.
A New Zealand passenger and the two pilots sustained injuries in the collision. The injured passenger and one of the pilots were airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu, while the other pilot received treatment in Lukla.
According to reports, the Fishtail Air helicopter was carrying two passengers who had been rescued from the Everest region, while the Air Dynasty aircraft was transporting cargo.
The helicopters collided as they attempted to land at the helipad. The exact cause of the accident has not been established, and authorities have commenced an investigation.
The incident occurred during Nepal’s peak trekking season, when helicopters are frequently used to transport climbers and trekkers around the Everest region.
Pheriche, located at an altitude of about 4,371 metres, is a popular stop for trekkers heading to Mount Everest Base Camp.
With no road access to much of the Everest region, helicopters are used to transport trekkers and supplies, as well as evacuate climbers and guides who fall ill or become exhausted at high altitudes.
