KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday near Mount Everest in Nepal, resulting in the death of at least five people. A helicopter carrying foreign tourists crashed in the Lamajura area, and despite the rescue efforts, one person remains missing.
The ill-fated aircraft had completed a sightseeing trip to the world’s highest peak and was en route back to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Regrettably, the crash claimed the lives of five tourists, who were believed to be Mexican nationals, along with the Nepalese pilot.
According to Sagar Kadel, an airport official, unfavorable weather conditions forced adjustments to the helicopter’s planned flight path. It is not unusual for flights to be delayed or rerouted during the monsoon season due to heavy rains.
As the tourist and mountaineering season drew to a close in May, the rainy season commenced, making it uncommon for tourist flights to the mountains during this time of year. Visibility is poor, and weather conditions become unpredictable, which further adds to the challenges faced by pilots.
With the recovery of five bodies, search operations are ongoing to locate the missing passenger. Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy.