Kathmandu, 03 November (H.S.): An Indian national was killed and a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin was injured when two helicopters operated by Air Dynasty and Fishtail Air collided while attempting to land in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district on Tuesday morning.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Nabin Raj Budhathoki of the Solukhumbu District Police Office, the deceased has been identified as 47-year-old Indian national Vasant Kumar Balara Madu.

The injured passenger has been identified as 53-year-old Shailesh Kishan Patel, a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin. Police said the pilot of the Fishtail Air helicopter also sustained minor injuries, although his identity had not been confirmed immediately.

DSP Budhathoki said the accident occurred during landing at the Pheriche helipad in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. The rotor blades of the two helicopters struck each other as the aircraft were manoeuvring to land, resulting in the collision.

Further details about the circumstances of the accident are awaited.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar