A Mexican family died in a tragic plane crash in Nepal while on a tourism trip to observe the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and the helicopter rental company, Manang Air Helicopters, identified the deceased Mexican nationals as Fernando Sifuentes, Abril González, Luz González Olacio, María José Sifuentes, and Ismael Rincón.
The three women and two men were traveling in the aircraft piloted by Nepali pilot Chut Gurung. The helicopter with registration number 9N-AMV departed from Surke Airport en route to the capital, Kathmandu. However, the aircraft lost contact 10 minutes after takeoff.
The tourist and climbing season ended in May with the onset of the rainy season in Nepal. Therefore, tourist flights to the mountains are not common during this time of the year due to poor visibility and unpredictable weather conditions.
In response to the alarm, security personnel were dispatched to the disaster area, where they found the bodies of the family and the pilot. The rescue operation was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The Mexican government confirmed and expressed
condolences for the tragedy, as did the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
According to local police, as reported by The Himalayan Times, the helicopter was found completely destroyed in the Solukhumbu district, at Lamjura Pass. It is estimated that the aircraft had crashed from an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. The bodies of the family were transported to the capital for the corresponding autopsies.