The helicopter crashed while returning from Gumba VDC of Sindhupalchowk after unloading relief materials for earthquake victims. Sindhupalchowk is the worst-hit district by the April 25 magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
According to Birendra Shrestha, acting general manager of the Tribhuvan International Airport, Captain Subek Shrestha was flying the helicopter and other three others were on board.
Binesh Sitaula of Film Artists Association of Nepal (FAAN), an eyewitness who was distributing aid said that the helicopter was flying uncontrollably in high speed in low altitude from Jalbire near Brahmayani River.
“The crash occurred when the helicopter hit the power line of Bhotekoshi and Khimti near Balephi market area. The chopper crashed after flying less than 100 km after it hit the transmission line,” said Narayan Chhetri, captain of Nepal Army who was distributing relief materials at Kadambas VDC.
Chettri added that the helicopter passed through the high tension line and soon afterward a huge explosion was heard and they witnessed a ball of fire and ensuing smoke.
The police have recovered four bodies and sent it to Kathmandu. “We have recovered four bodies -- three male and one female -- from the crash site,” Meghraj Paneru, Assistant Police Inspector of Balephi, said.
Seven dead in chopper crash near Kedarnath
Out of four male bodies, one is of captain Shrestha, another has been identified as Dr Sandip Mahat and one has not yet been identified as it is completely burnt. The female body is of a Dutch lady.
The helicopter was completely destroyed and its parts are scattered all over the Salghari forest. According to airport officials, the helicopter was in contact for the last time at 2:37 pm.
The fire at the forest had spread in an area of 2km and had not come under control till late evening.
Photos: Dhruba Dangal
