Kathmandu, July 11: A Manang Air call sign 9N-AMV helicopter crashed in Solukhumbu, killing six people including helicopter’s pilot CB Gurung.
The helicopter, which had taken off from Surke in Solukhumbu this morning to Kathmandu, was found in an accident in the afternoon near Likhupike Rural Municipality-5 Lamjura Pass in Solukhumbu. According to Pratap Babu Tiwari, General Manager of Tribhuvan International Airport and Coordinator of the Rescue Coordination Committee, the bodies of six people, including the pilot of the helicopter, Captain Chet Bahadur Gurung, have been found in the accident.
Among the dead are five Mexican citizens.
“Two helicopters mobilized for the rescue of the passengers had difficulties in landing at the accident site due to bad weather, so efforts are being made to land at a suitable place nearby and rescue them”, said the release issued by the Rescue Coordination Committee.
Manang Air helicopter 9N-AMV crashed at Lamjura, Solukhumbu. As per local police, 5 dead bodies found. On-board list:
Nepalese:
1)Capt. C.B. GURUNG
Mexican:
2)Mr. SIFUENTES G. FERANDO
3)Ms. GONZALEZ ABRIC
4)Ms. GONZALEZ OLACIO LUZ
5)Ms. SIFUENTES G. MARIA JOSE
6)Mr. RINCON ISMAEL— Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (@hello_CAANepal) July 11, 2023
The accident site is on the border of Likhupike in Solukhumbu and Umakunda Rural Municipality in Ramechhap district. The helicopter with the call sign 9N-AMV, which flew from Surke in Solukhumbu to Kathmandu at 9:52 a.m. today, lost contact with the tower after 10:10 a.m.
According to Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the deceased are Capt. C.B. GURUNG and Mexican nationals as Mr. SIFUENTES G. FERANDO, Ms. GONZALEZ ABRIC, Ms. GONZALEZ OLACIO LUZ, Ms. SIFUENTES G. MARIA JOSE and Mr. RINCON ISMAEL.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed sorrow over the crash of the Manang Air chopper, resulting in human casualties in Solukhumbu today.
In his condolence message, Prime Minister paid tributes to the deceased and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
