Five Mexican tourists lost their lives along with a Nepali pilot in a tragic helicopter crash near Everest, in Nepal, on Tuesday, July 11.
The event took place near Likhu, north of Kathmandu, and the causes have not yet been determined.
Known for its dangerous flying conditions in the Himalayas, Nepal is regularly the center of air accidents due to factors such as unstable weather, poorly maintained runways and poor pilot training.
The helicopter belonged to the Manang Air company, one of many companies that provide transport services to tourists visiting the mountains of Nepal, including Everest, the highest peak in the world.
As reported by the Nepalese media and The country, Six bodies have been recovered at the crash site, but the situation is still being investigated by authorities.
Although a Manang Air spokesman said the helicopter took off in favorable weather conditions, the exact cause of the crash is unknown and a further investigation is expected.
“Six bodies were found at the accident site,” Gyanendra Bhul of the civil aviation authority told AFP.
Six people, including five Mexican citizens and a Nepali pilot, have died in a helicopter crash in Nepal. The cause of the accident is still unknown. https://t.co/HWIjC8BzIr
— THE COUNTRY (@el_pais) July 11, 2023
Accident with five Mexican tourists on Everest
Nepal has been the scene of numerous air accidents in the Himalayan region due to its mountainous geography, very often covered in clouds.
In January this year, a plane crashed near the resort town of Pokhara, killing 71 people and making it the worst plane crash in three decades.
The European Union has banned access to its territory for Nepali airlines since 2013.
Factors such as the lack of international controls, poor weather conditions and poor infrastructure have contributed to the frequency of air accidents in Nepal.
The growing traffic of helicopters in the Everest region has raised concern among local people, as air tourism has become an increasingly popular option for those who wish to avoid long trekking.
However, this proliferation of helicopters has also given rise to problems, such as fraud against insurance companies, where climbers are rescued without justifiable reasons, and failure to comply with the promised measures to control air traffic in the area. Read: The helicopter mafia on Everest.
Despite the risks involved, tourism remains an important source of income for the country.
Now read:
Will Poncho De Nigris win “The House of Famous”? This is said
Barbie reporter interviews Margot Robbie in CDMX
The Simpsons and their adventures arrive at Walmart with these products