Kathmandu, September 28:

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Nepal today organised a special memorial service in capital to pay homage to the 24 persons killed in the helicopter crash on September 23 in Taplejung.

The service started with prayers by priests of various religions and was attended by families, friends, relatives and colleagues of the deceased.

Family members and relatives recalled the special moments they had shared with the departed and recollected their endearing qualities, while friends highlighted on their selfless commitment to work and their special talents.

Representatives from other organisations and the public congregated at the venue to pay their final tributes to the deceased and signed the condolence books.

Speaking on the occasion Jim Leape of WWF-International said, “The visionary personalities who lost their lives in the accident have set an example for other conservationists of the world to follow.”

Likewise, the president of WWF Carter Roberts said late Mingma Norbu Sherpa of WWF-US and late Dr Chandra Gurung of WWF Nepal were a source of inspiration to other conservationists.

Leape and Roberts also interacted with the bereaved families and staffers of WWF Nepal.

RSS adds that Ministry of Foreign Affairs today extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Finnish Charge d’affaires Pauli Mustonnen and the citizens of Finland.

The ministry has also sent separate condolence letters to the Nepali ambassadors to Finland, USA, UK, and Russia expressing deep sorrow at the death of the citizens of these countries in the mishap, officiating secretary for the Ministry, Pradip Khatiwada said.

The Ministry has also expressed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved families of the Nepalis who died in the chopper crash including Minister of State for Forest and Soil Conservation, Gopal Rai.

Mortal remains handed over to kin

KATHMANDU: Medical experts at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital identified the bodies of Minister of State for Forest and Soil Conservation Gopal Rai and former minister and conservationist Dr Harka Gurung on Thursday, said Dr Harihar Osti. “We’ve also identified the bodies of Dr Tirtha Man Maskey, co-chairman of ASRSG and WWF Nepal, and Mingma N Sherpa, managing director of the EHBC, WWF-US,” said Dr Osti. Except the bodies of seven foreigners almost all the bodies were handed over to the respective families, he said. — HNS