Indian national killed in Nepal helicopter collision in Solukhumbu district
The Ministry of External Affairs is working to repatriate the remains of Vasanth Kumar Balaramudu following the mid-air accident.
An Indian national died after two helicopters collided during landing in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal, according to WION. The incident occurred at approximately 8:11 am local time at Pheriche in the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
The deceased has been identified by Nepal Police as 47-year-old Vasanth Kumar Balaramudu, who was a passenger on a Fishtail Air helicopter. His body was taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for a postmortem examination.
A 49-year-old Indian-origin resident of New Zealand was also injured in the collision between the Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty helicopters. Fishtail Air stated that both this passenger and the helicopter captain are currently being treated at Mediciti Hospital and are out of danger.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the death and said the Embassy has expressed its condolences. Jaiswal stated that efforts are being made to bring the mortal remains back to India as soon as possible.
The Indian Embassy in Nepal said authorities are coordinating with Nepali officials to facilitate the early repatriation of the deceased. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has started an investigation into the accident.
CAAN said it will take necessary action and corrective measures based on the findings and conclusions of the investigation.