KATHMANDU, Nepal — An Indian national was killed and a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin injured when two helicopters collided while landing at a helipad in Nepal's Solukhumbu district on Tuesday morning, officials said. The collision occurred at the Pheriche helipad, approximately 250 kilometers from Kathmandu, around 8:11 am local time.
The deceased has been identified as 47-year-old Vasant Kumar Balara Madu, an Indian national, according to police. Shailesh Kishan Patel, 53, a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin, was aboard the same helicopter and sustained injuries. Both pilots aboard the aircraft sustained minor injuries.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the rotor blades of the two aircraft struck each other as they approached the helipad to land. The collision involved helicopters operated by Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air.
CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, capturing the moments leading up to the collision as the two helicopters came dangerously close before their rotor blades made contact. DSP Nabinraj Budhathoki of the Solukhumbu District Police Office confirmed the accident occurred as both helicopters were landing at the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Pheriche helipad.
The injured passenger was airlifted for medical treatment, while the body of the deceased was transported to Lukla. Both pilots sustained minor injuries and were also taken to Kathmandu for further care. Rescue operations continued at the site.
Small helicopters are widely used across Nepal to ferry tourists and mountaineers, transport supplies and conduct emergency rescues. The country's rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions make helicopter operations particularly challenging. Police said they were gathering further details and investigating the incident.
The accident highlights the risks associated with aerial transport in the Everest region, a popular destination for foreign climbers and trekkers. Officials said further details about the circumstances surrounding the collision are awaited.
