7-8-2024 (KATHMANDU) A tragic helicopter crash in Nepal has claimed the lives of four Chinese citizens, as confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, has sent ripples of shock through the region and prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
The ill-fated aircraft, a Nepal Dynasty Airlines helicopter with registration number 9N-AJD, departed from Kathmandu at 1:45 pm, bound for the Rhesus region. Tragically, just three minutes into its journey, the helicopter lost contact with the control tower before crashing in the Nuwakot area.
Local residents in the vicinity of the crash site reported witnessing smoke and flames emanating from the mountainside, prompting them to alert authorities immediately. The Tribhuvan International Airport Rescue Centre confirmed that the helicopter was carrying four Chinese passengers and one Nepalese pilot.
In the aftermath of the crash, rescue teams were swiftly dispatched to the scene. Their grim task concluded with the confirmation that all five individuals on board had perished in the accident. This sobering news has cast a pall over both Nepal and China, as the two nations grapple with the loss of life.
The Nepalese Prime Minister’s Office responded promptly to the tragedy, issuing a press release on Wednesday afternoon. The statement expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, reflecting the nation’s shock at the unfortunate event.
This incident has once again brought into sharp focus the inherent risks associated with air travel, particularly in mountainous regions like Nepal. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols and conducting regular maintenance checks on aircraft operating in challenging terrains.