Five bodies have been recovered from the crash site located in the Lamjura area

KATHMANDU: A Devastating helicopter crash occurred today in the eastern mountainous region of Nepal, near Mount Everest, claiming the lives of all six individuals on board. The private commercial helicopter, registered under Manang Air with the identification 9N-AMV, was carrying five Mexican nationals and experienced pilot Chet B Gurung.

The Ill-fated flight took off from Suraki Airport in Solukhumbu en route to Kathmandu at 10:04 a.m. local time. However, just nine minutes into the flight, at approximately 10:13 a.m., the helicopter abruptly lost contact with air traffic control at an altitude of 12,000 feet.

According to reports from Nepali media, five bodies have been recovered from the crash site located in the Lamjura area of Kalepik rural municipality, within the remote and treacherous Solukhumbu district. The exact cause of the accident remains unknown, and a detailed report is still pending. However, witnesses in the area reported hearing a loud explosion before the helicopter plummeted to the ground.

Rescue operations are currently underway, with local police personnel and authorities on-site to investigate the incident. Earlier attempts to locate the crash site were impeded by unfavorable weather conditions, forcing two helicopters to return. However, efforts have been redoubled, and search teams are persisting in their mission to retrieve any remaining victims and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The identities of the Mexican nationals aboard the helicopter have yet to be released, pending notification of their families. The Nepali aviation community, as well as the international community, mourns this terrible loss and extends their deepest condolences to the bereaved families.