KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari died in a helicopter crash which killed six others onboard, today.

The crash took place in Sisne Khola area, 6 nm (nautical miles) from Taplejung at around 1:30 pm.

Travelling with Minister Adhikari were the pilot of the helicopter Captain Prabhakar KC, tourism entrepreneur Ang Tshiring Sherpa, security personnel Arjun Ghimire, Under-Secretary at the Prime Minister’s office Yubaraj Dahal, Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Birendra Shrestha, and CAAN Engineer Dhruba Das Bhochhibhaya

Statements expressing sorrow have been pouring in for the Minister who was known for his grounded and approachable personality, and for the six others who lost their lives.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari expressed shock and sadness on the demise of seven people on board.

https://twitter.com/PresidentofNP/status/1100762908521385984?s=19

Issuing a statement, Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of main opposition party Nepali Congress, expressed his sorrow on demise of the promising politician.

Likewise, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Gyawali tweeted a tribute-post for Adhikari.

https://twitter.com/PradeepgyawaliK/status/1100715758663929858?s=19

Nepali Congress politician Gagan Thapa expressed sorrow over losing a friend in the fateful crash.

https://twitter.com/thapagk/status/1100713908321636352?s=19

Commissioner of Election Commission of Nepal Ila Sharma said Adhikari would be dearly missed.

https://twitter.com/ila_home/status/1100702643477917697?s=19

Ambassador of United States to Nepal Randy Berey extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

https://twitter.com/USAmbNepal/status/1100705755362144257?s=19

Meanwhile, the French Embassy also expressed shock over the incident.

https://twitter.com/FranceInNepal/status/1100709943882248192?s=19

Recently elected vice-chairperson of UN-CEDAW Bandana Rana tweeted that she's filled with shock and sadness.

https://twitter.com/bandanarana2014/status/1100700196005183488?s=19

Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leader Yogesh Bhattarai mourned his friend's untimely demise.

https://twitter.com/yogesbhattarai/status/1100724731970572289?s=19

Bollywood actress and author Manisha Koirala said she was saddened by the news of Adhikari's death.

https://twitter.com/mkoirala/status/1100727523212701696?s=19

Chairman of Rashtriya Prajatantra Party Kamal Thapa tweeted 'Nation will miss you.'

https://twitter.com/KTnepal/status/1100741541012754433?s=19

Former Prime Minister Babu expressed shock over the news of Adhikari's untimely demise.

https://twitter.com/brb1954/status/1100755632490205186?s=19

Former journalist and politician Rabindra Mishra also extended condolences to the bereaved families.

https://twitter.com/RabindraMishra/status/1100707563115606022?s=19