It's official: 5 locals were also killed in US chopper crash in Dolakha

KATHMANDU: Nepal Army confirmed that five non-military Nepali citizens were also killed in the US Marine Corps' UH-1Y Huey helicopter crash in Sindhupalchok three weeks ago.Earlier it was said that six US marines and two Nepal Army personnel were killed in the accident.

The NA Directorate of Public Relations, on Friday, issued a statement saying the additional remains found in the crash site belonged to five persons from Laduk and Lamidanda villages of Dolakha district. They are believed to be the injured who were being airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment.

DNA tests proved that there were five non-military persons except the eight military personnel who were on board the helicopter that was used in the rescue operation in the earthquake hit regions.

READ ALSO: Additional human remains found at US chopper crash site sent to US

The deceased locals have been identified as Dhruba Katawal, Lok Bahadur Katawal, Shiva Khatri, Yam Bahadur Khatri of Laduk and Sabitri Siwakoti of Lamidanda.

The chopper had crashed on May 12 during an earthquake relief mission in Sindhupalchok and Dolakha.

Its wreckage was found in a north-eastern village of Sindhupalchok district, at the altitude of 11,200 ft, four days after the incident.

Meanwhile, NA said it already handed over the body of Captain Tapendra Rawal to his family.

Preparations are underway to hand over bodies of five locals as well as of Warrant Officer Basanta Bahadur Titara, according to the Army.