How Did 1 Tourist Die When 2 Helicopters Collided in Solukhumbu, Nepal?
Quick answer: One Indian tourist was killed and three people were injured when two helicopters collided while landing at Pheriche in Solukhumbu district, Nepal, on the morning of Tuesday 3 November 2026.
Key facts
- What: Two helicopters collided while landing
- Where: Pheriche, ward 4 of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu district, Nepal
- When: Tuesday morning, 3 November 2026, at around 8:11am
- Reported toll: 1 person killed and 3 people injured
- Operators: Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty
- Status: Developing — police said they were gathering further details
What happened
The two helicopters, operated by Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty, collided at around 8:11am while landing at Pheriche, according to the District Police Office, Solukhumbu.
Police Inspector Mausam Tamang said the person killed was Vasanth Kumar Balaramaramadu, an Indian national who was travelling aboard the Fishtail Air helicopter.
Shailesh Krishna Patel, a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin who was also aboard the same helicopter, was injured in the collision. He was airlifted to Mediciti Hospital in Kathmandu by a Prabhu Helicopter, Tamang said.
Both pilots sustained minor injuries and were also taken to Kathmandu for further treatment. Police said the body of the deceased tourist had been taken to a hospital in Lukla.
The number of passengers aboard the two helicopters at the time of the collision had yet to be confirmed. Police said they were gathering further details of the incident, and no cause was stated in the report.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the helicopters collide?
At Pheriche, in ward 4 of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu district, Nepal, while the helicopters were landing.
Who was killed in the collision?
Vasanth Kumar Balaramaramadu, an Indian national travelling aboard the Fishtail Air helicopter, according to Police Inspector Mausam Tamang.
Who else was injured?
Shailesh Krishna Patel, a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin aboard the same helicopter, was injured and airlifted to Mediciti Hospital in Kathmandu. Both pilots sustained minor injuries and were also taken to Kathmandu for treatment.
What is still not known?
The number of passengers aboard the two helicopters at the time of the collision had yet to be confirmed, and police said they were gathering further details. No cause was stated in the report.
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