Two helicopters collided Tuesday while attempting to land near Mount Everest’s base camp, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to two others, according to officials. The aircraft were transporting trekkers during Nepal’s popular trekking season.
The collision occurred in Pheriche village, situated at an altitude of 13,780 feet. A 47-year-old tourist from India died in the crash, confirmed Bhupendra Thapa, a district administration officer. A passenger from New Zealand sustained injuries and is being transported to Kathmandu for treatment, while a Nepali pilot received local medical attention.
Helicopters are the sole mode of transport for evacuating sick or exhausted trekkers and guides in the Everest region, as there are no roads. The Mount Everest base camp trek typically spans up to two weeks, starting from Lukla and ending at the base camp, which is at 17,380 feet.
The trekking season in the region is most popular in the fall, following the monsoon season and preceding the onset of winter.