Kathmandu — One foreign national was killed and another passenger was injured after helicopters operated by Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty collided while landing at the Pheriche helipad in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-4, Solukhumbu, on Tuesday morning.
According to the District Police Office, Solukhumbu, the collision occurred at around 8:11 a.m. while the helicopters were landing at the high-altitude helipad. Preliminary information indicates that the aircraft came into contact during the landing process, but the exact cause of the accident has not yet been established.
The deceased passenger was travelling aboard the Fishtail Air helicopter. Police and aviation authorities were working to confirm the identities and details of all people involved.
Another passenger was injured in the collision and was evacuated by helicopter for medical treatment. The pilots and other people aboard the two aircraft were also being assessed following the incident.
The helicopters sustained damage in the collision, while emergency personnel and local authorities responded at the scene. The exact number of passengers and crew aboard both helicopters was still being verified.
Pheriche, located at an elevation of about 4,370 metres, is an important stop for trekkers and climbers travelling through the Everest region. Helicopters regularly operate in the area for tourism, transportation and emergency evacuation.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and local authorities are expected to investigate the incident and determine what caused the two helicopters to collide.
Authorities were continuing to gather information about the accident, including the condition of those involved and the circumstances surrounding the landing.
