Two helicopters collided while preparing to land in Nepal’s Mount Everest region on Tuesday, killing an Indian tourist and injuring a New Zealander, police said. The aircraft crashed as they approached a snow-covered landing area.
The helicopters were operated by private companies Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air. Fishtail Air said its helicopter had been carrying passengers rescued in the Everest region when it crashed during landing. A company representative said the Indian and New Zealand passengers were tourists. Dynasty Air said its helicopter was carrying cargo only.
Small helicopters are widely used in the region to transport tourists, climbers and supplies, as well as to carry out emergency rescues. Nepal’s rugged terrain and rapidly changing weather make air operations particularly hazardous.
The accident happened during the peak trekking season, when helicopters carry hikers and climbers around the region. Nepal is home to eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains, including Mount Everest, and draws thousands of foreign climbers and trekkers each year.
Sources: Folha Mundo.