Nepal helicopter crash kills seven, including newborn baby

A helicopter has crashed in a forest area in western Nepal, killing all seven people on board, including a newborn baby.

According to Nepalese airline officials, the incident occurred on Monday, when a private helicopter carrying six local people to the country’s capital, Kathmandu, crashed at Bhatine Danda area in the western district of Nuwakot, about 150 kilometers west of the capital city.

The Fishtail Air helicopter lost contact with air traffic control tower about 30 minutes after take-off.

"There were five adults and one infant on board, as well as the pilot," said Ramesh Shiwakoti, an official with the Fishtail Air, adding that, "There are no survivors."

The cause of the deadly crash is still unknown and bad weather has hindered search operations in the area.

Nepal’s army officials have confirmed the report, saying they have sent rescue teams to the site of the deadly crash.

Most of the air accidents in the Himalayan country are attributed to inexperienced pilots, poor management and inadequate maintenance.

SS