Indian national killed after 2 helicopters collides midair in Nepal

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New Delhi: An Indian national was killed and another Indian national was injured in a helicopter crash while trying to land at a helipad at Solukhumbu in north-east Nepal, on Tuesday.

The crash happened at the Pheriche helipad, about 250 km from the capital, Kathmandu, and involved both Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air helicopters.

The man who died was Vasant Kumar Balara Madu, an Indian national aged 47. The person who was injured was Shailesh Kishan Patel, aged 53 and a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin. He was transported by helicopter to hospital for treatment.

As the aircraft was approaching the helipad, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said the rotor blades of both helicopters collided.

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CCTV footage of the incident has also emerged, capturing the moment of the collision.

Police and aviation officials confirmed the accident and said further details were being gathered.

The body of the deceased has been taken to Lukla by helicopter. However, police and other authorities are trying to find the cause of the incident.

Helicopters are a common sight in the mountain terrains of Nepal and serve for passenger services for tourist, climbers, and cargo deliveries and are also engaged in rescue operations.

Also Read: 9 killed as private jet crashes in Florida, video shows aircraft plunging into fireball

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