KHOTANG: At least six persons sustained injuries in the Air Dynasty helicopter crash that took place at Balabensi in Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality-2, Khartamchha today.
A chopper carrying five passengers from Kathmandu hit a wall while landing at Balabensi at 12:02 PM today. DSP at Khotang Police Prakash Budhathoki, said six people, including the pilot, were on board the Air Dynasty helicopter (9 N-AFQ).
Kaji Bahadur Rai, 65, a resident of Lalitpur, sustained injuries to his right leg and eye.
Injured Kaji Bahadur and pilot Sabin Thapa were sent to Kathmandu for treatment at 12:35 PM by another Air Dynasty helicopter.
The helicopter was carrying the lifeless body of Manalakshmi Rai, 77, a resident of Balabensi who passed away a month ago in the UK. The body as reported was being brought by her relatives for cremation.
Also on board the helicopter were the deceased’s husband, Dakmani Rai, 83, son Balkumar Rai, 53, daughter Laxmi Rai, 47, 40-year-old Samala Rai and injured Kaji Bahadur.
Ward chair Rai informed that the relatives on board the helicopter accident are safe.
Balakumar Rai, who was on the helicopter, said that no further damage occurred after the pilot immediately turned off the engine following the accident.
“It feels like a scary dream when I think about the incident. Everyone’s fate had already flown away. I was sitting in the front seat,” he said, adding “Even in such an accident, we were able to survive. The pilot immediately turned off the engine. Once the running engine was turned off, we were saved from further damage.”
Comment