Indian National Killed as Two Helicopters Collide in Nepal’s Solukhumbu District
An Indian national was killed and another person of Indian origin was injured after two helicopters collided while attempting to land at the Pheriche helipad in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district on Tuesday morning. The deceased has been identified as 47-year-old Vasant Kumar Balara Madu, while the injured person is 53-year-old Shailesh Kishan Patel, a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin. The incident took place around 250 kilometres from Kathmandu.
According to Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority, the rotor blades of helicopters operated by Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air struck each other as the aircraft approached the helipad. Solukhumbu police confirmed that the collision occurred during landing at the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Pheriche helipad. CCTV footage has also emerged, capturing the moments leading up to the collision.
The deceased person’s body was transported to Lukla by helicopter, while the injured passenger was airlifted for medical treatment. Aviation officials have confirmed the incident and are gathering further details. The exact circumstances behind the collision remain unclear, and further information is awaited.
