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Helicopter collision near Everest base camp kills Indian tourist, injures two
Two tourist helicopters collided while attempting to land at Pheriche, below Mount Everest’s base camp, killing one passenger and injuring two others. The crash highlights the risks of flying in the Himalayas, where helicopters are used to transport trekkers and evacuate people who become ill or exhausted.
The crash happened at about 8.11am local time on Tuesday at an altitude of 4,200 metres. The person killed was a 47-year-old tourist from India; an injured passenger from New Zealand was being taken to Kathmandu, while the Nepali pilot was treated locally. The number of people aboard the two helicopters was not clear.
In short
- Two helicopters collided while landing near Everest base camp.
- An Indian tourist died; two others were injured.
- The crash occurred at Pheriche, 4,200 metres above sea level.
Explained simply
Pheriche is a settlement in Nepal’s Khumbu region, on a popular trekking route towards Everest base camp. At about 4,200 metres, the thin air and steep mountain terrain can make travel difficult.
Helicopters carry trekkers and supplies in the region, and can evacuate people who become ill or exhausted. Flights operate in challenging conditions, with limited landing areas and weather that can change quickly. The crash has drawn attention to the safety risks of air travel in the Himalayas.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Two tourist helicopters collide in mid-air while landing in front of tour group below Mount Everest base camp, killing one person”.