Indian national killed, New Zealander injured, after helicopters collide in Mount Everest region

An Indian national lost his life and a New Zealander sustained injuries when two helicopters collided in Nepal's Mount Everest region on Tuesday, according to authorities. The New Zealander has been rescued, stated Kaman Singh Thapa Magar, the chief district officer of Solukhumbu district. The incident occurred near the base camp of Mount Everest, as reported by Magar.

Both helicopters were operated by private firms, Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air. Fishtail Air revealed that its helicopter was carrying rescued tourists when it crashed during landing. The Indian and New Zealander passengers were tourists, a Fishtail official confirmed. Dynasty Air disclosed that its helicopter was transporting only cargo.

This accident occurs during Nepal's peak trekking season, a period when helicopters transport hikers and climbers in the region. Last week, in the Indian Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, six people died in a helicopter crash en route from Badrinath, a key Hindu pilgrimage site, to Dehradun city. All six occupants, including five passengers and the pilot, perished, as reported by ANI citing UCADA’s CEO Prateek Jain.