KATHMANDU, MAY 5

A Simrik Air helicopter crashed in Siprung of Bhotkhola Rural Municipality, Sankhuwasabha district on Friday afternoon.

'Locals reported that the Simrik Air helicopter was involved in an accident. Detailed information about the situation is still being gathered. We have requested a helicopter for rescue operation from the Home Ministry,' said Mohanmani Ghimire, Assistant Chief District Officer of Sankhuwasabha, as quoted in the RSS.

The accident occurred during the landing of the helicopter, Ghimire added. The helicopter was reportedly carrying materials for the Upper Arun Hydropower project.

According to Teknath Sitaula, spokesperson at Tribhuvan International Airport, the helicopter had lost contact since morning and was being searched for. 'It had lost contact with Tumlingtar Airport since morning,' Sitaula confirmed.

There were four people on board the helicopter at the time of the incident. Captain Surendra Paudel and another person were critically injured and are being airlifted to Nepal Medicity Hospital, Kathmandu for treatment.

More details to follow.