A tragic helicopter collision in Nepal’s Everest region has left an Indian tourist dead and several others injured after two aircraft crashed while attempting to land below Mount Everest South Base Camp during one of the busiest trekking seasons of the year.
The accident occurred on Tuesday near Pheriche Village, a popular stop on the Everest trekking route situated at an altitude of approximately 4,200 metres above sea level.
Authorities confirmed that a 47-year-old Indian tourist was killed in the crash. A tourist from New Zealand sustained injuries and was airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment, while a Nepali pilot was injured and received treatment locally.
The helicopters involved were operated by private aviation companies Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air.
According to Fishtail Air, its helicopter was carrying passengers who had been rescued from the Everest region. Meanwhile, a Dynasty Air official said its aircraft was transporting cargo at the time of the collision.
The incident occurred as thousands of trekkers returned to the Everest region following improved weather conditions. Heavy snowfall had earlier disrupted movement along the trekking route, but conditions cleared on Sunday, allowing large numbers of hikers and support teams to resume their journeys.
The Everest Base Camp trek, one of the world’s most famous hiking adventures, attracts thousands of international visitors each year. With no road access in the region, helicopters play a critical role in transporting tourists, guides, supplies, and emergency evacuation patients.
Nepalese aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash as concerns over mountain flight safety once again come under scrutiny.
The tragedy has shocked the trekking community and serves as a reminder of the challenging operating conditions faced by pilots flying in the Himalayan region, where weather, terrain, and altitude create significant aviation risks.
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