Two helicopters operated by private companies collided as they prepared to land near Mount Everest in Nepal on Tuesday, killing an Indian passenger and injuring a New Zealand passenger, authorities said. The crash occurred in the area used as the mountain’s base camp.
The injured New Zealand passenger was rescued, according to Kaman Singh Thapa Magar, head of the Solukhumbu district administration. Fishtail Air said its helicopter was carrying passengers rescued from the Everest region when it crashed during landing.
Fishtail Air confirmed that the Indian passenger was aboard its aircraft. The company said the other passenger and the helicopter’s captain were injured and taken to Mediciti Hospital for further treatment. A Fishtail Air representative said both passengers were tourists, while a Dynasty Air official said that helicopter was carrying only cargo.
The collision occurred during Nepal’s busy trekking season, when helicopters transport hikers and climbers around the region.
Sources: CNN Brasil.