A 47-year-old Indian tourist has been killed and three other people injured after two helicopters collided while attempting to land in Nepal’s Mount Everest region.

The accident occurred at approximately 8:11 a.m. local time on Tuesday at the helipad in Pheriche, Solukhumbu district, when helicopters operated by Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty collided during their landing approach.

The deceased was identified as Vasanth Kumar Balaramaramudu, an Indian national from Tamil Nadu, who was travelling aboard the Fishtail Air helicopter.

Three other people, including the pilots of both aircraft, sustained injuries in the collision.

They were identified as Shailesh Krishna Patel, a 49-year-old New Zealand citizen of Indian origin, and the two pilots, Rabindra Prajapati and Prajal KC.

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According to local authorities, the injured passenger and one of the pilots were airlifted to Mediciti Hospital in Kathmandu for treatment, while the other pilot received medical attention in Lukla.

The body of the deceased tourist was also transported to Lukla following the accident.

Reports indicated that the helicopters were attempting to land at the same helipad when their rotor blades struck each other, causing the collision.

The Fishtail Air helicopter was carrying tourists who had been rescued from the Everest region, while the Air Dynasty aircraft was reportedly transporting cargo and had no passengers aboard.

The incident has drawn attention to aviation safety in Nepal, where helicopters play a crucial role in transporting tourists, climbers and supplies across the mountainous Himalayan region.

Pheriche is a major stop for trekkers and mountaineers travelling towards Mount Everest Base Camp. The area is particularly dependent on helicopter services because of its difficult terrain and limited road access.

Helicopters are frequently used to evacuate climbers and trekkers who become ill, exhausted or stranded at high altitudes, as well as to transport essential supplies.

The accident occurred during Nepal’s peak trekking season, when thousands of visitors travel to the Everest region.

Authorities have commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and determine what led to the two helicopters making contact during their landing manoeuvres.

Iran has offered to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, but says the move depends on the United States accepting a series of conditions aimed at easing tensions and paving the way for renewed negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced the proposal on Monday, November 2, 2026, describing it as part of Tehran’s efforts to resolve the ongoing confrontation through diplomatic engagement.

Under the proposed arrangement, the United States would first have to meet Iran’s demands, after which the country could begin restoring access to the strategic waterway within two days. The proposal also provides for the resumption of negotiations between the two countries.

The offer marks a shift from an earlier seven-day framework reportedly communicated through mediators in September. Iran had previously proposed a sequence under which the Strait would reopen after certain conditions were met.

Baghaei described the shorter timeline as evidence of Tehran’s willingness to pursue a diplomatic solution. However, he made clear that the proposal would depend on Washington agreeing to the conditions.

Among Iran’s key demands is an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Tehran regards as a major obstacle to negotiations. It is also seeking the removal of sanctions targeting its oil industry and the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad.

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Iran has further called for an end to hostilities across the region, including the conflict involving Lebanon, arguing that any agreement should address the wider security situation rather than focus exclusively on the confrontation between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also outlined a proposed arrangement for maritime traffic through the Strait. Under the plan, ships would use a new route agreed upon by Iran and Oman, with passage taking place under Iranian supervision.

Tehran has additionally called for a reduction in the presence of US military forces in the region and the removal of sanctions imposed on Iran since August.

Qatar is among the countries involved in diplomatic efforts to ease the crisis. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has also travelled to Doha as part of the consultations surrounding the proposed framework.

However, there has been no indication that the United States has accepted Iran’s conditions. Consequently, the proposed 48-hour timeline should not be interpreted as confirmation that the waterway will reopen within that period.

The proposal comes amid continued tensions between the two countries. US President Donald Trump has warned that military action could resume if diplomatic efforts fail, while leaving room for negotiations to continue.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime energy corridors. Connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, it provides a major route for crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from Gulf producers to international markets.

Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the passage could affect global energy supplies, increase transportation costs and put further pressure on oil prices and fuel markets.

Iran’s latest offer has therefore attracted international attention, particularly among energy-importing countries and shipping operators concerned about the security of vessels using the route.

For now, the proposed reopening remains conditional on an agreement with Washington. Whether the two sides can bridge their differences over sanctions, the naval blockade and regional security will determine whether the 48-hour proposal translates into the restoration of normal maritime traffic.