Nepal Helicopter Collision / Indian dead as 2 helicopters collide mid-air in Nepal

Nepal, Nov 3: One Indian national was killed and another of Indian origin injured when two helicopters collided while attempting to land at a helipad in Nepal's Solukhumbu district, around 250 km from Kathmandu, on Tuesday morning.

According to initial reports, the rotor blades of the two helicopters struck each other as the aircraft approached the helipad. The collision involved helicopters operated by Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air.

The deceased has been identified in the initial report as 47-year-old Indian national Vasant Kumar Balara Madu. The injured person has been identified as 53-year-old Shailesh Kishan Patel, a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin.

However, a police statement quoted in the report said the identity and nationality of the deceased were yet to be officially established. The body was subsequently transported to Lukla by helicopter. Meanwhile, the injured person was airlifted to a medical facility for treatment.

DSP Nabinraj Budhathoki of the Solukhumbu District Police Office confirmed that the accident occurred while both helicopters were attempting to land at the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Pheriche helipad.

Gyanendra Bhul, information officer at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), confirmed the helicopter collision.

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According to the aviation authority, the rotor blades of the two aircraft struck each other during the landing approach. Officials are collecting further information to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Further details regarding the cause of the collision and the condition of the injured person are awaited.

Helicopters are widely used in Nepal, particularly in mountainous regions such as the Solukhumbu district. They play an important role in transporting tourists and mountaineers, delivering essential supplies and conducting emergency rescue operations.