Helicopter crash update: Rescue operation underway

KATHMANDU, Aug 07: A rescue operation has been initiated after an Air Dynasty helicopter met with an accident in the Shivapuri area, Nuwakot district today at noon. 

The helicopter with a call sign 9 N-AJD had flown from Nalinchowk of Bhaktapur district for Syaphrubeshi in Rasuwa district at 1:54 pm.

It went out of contact three minutes after takeoff, said Gyanendra Bhul, Information Officer at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). 

The helicopter crashed at 2:14 pm at Suryachaur of Shivapuri rural municipality-7 resulting in the deaths of five people including four Chinese nationals and a Nepali national.     

 Five people including pilot Arun Malla were on board the helicopter that met with the accident, said Balkrishna Pandit, Air Dynasty's Manager. 

Armed Police Force (APF) said that it mobilized a team for search and rescue operation at the accident site as soon as they were notified about the helicopter crash. 

APF's DSP Shailendra Thapa shared that 66 security personnel were mobilized at the accident site for a search and rescue operation.     

A private helicopter company's helicopter has been flown to the accident site for the same, CAAN said.