Indian national killed, two others injured after helicopters crash near Mount Everest base camp in Nepal: Watch video | Today’s news

An Indian citizen was killed and two others were injured after two helicopters collided near the Mount Everest base camp in Nepal on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.

The accident occurred when the helicopters were trying to land near the village of Pheriche, which is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). A video of the incident was widely shared on social media.

The helicopters were said to be carrying tourists visiting the Everest region during Nepal’s popular autumn tourist season.

New Zealand tourist, Nepali pilot injured

The deceased was a 47-year-old tourist from India, according to Bhupendra Thapa, an official of the Solukhumbhu district administration. The injured passenger from New Zealand was flown to Kathmandu for treatment, while the Nepalese pilot, who was also injured, was treated at a local hospital.

Authorities have not determined the total number of people aboard the two helicopters at the time of the crash.

The accident occurred after heavy snowfall blocked tourist routes in the region. Weather conditions improved on Sunday, allowing thousands of tourists to resume their journeys.

Popular season for trekking

Since there is no road connection in the Everest region, helicopters are the primary means of evacuating hikers and guides who fall ill or become exhausted amid the frigid temperatures and high-altitude conditions.

It usually takes up to two weeks to reach Everest Base Camp. It starts in Lukla, which has the only airstrip in the region, and ends at the base camp, located at an altitude of 5,300 meters (17,380 ft).

Fall is a popular time to trek, falling between the monsoon season and the onset of harsh winter conditions.