Man killed as helicopters collide in Nepal near Everest

An Indian tourist was killed and another tourist from New Zealand was brought to hospital after two helicopters collided and crashed while attempting to land in Nepal's Everest region.

Authorities said the Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air helicopters' rotor blades struck each other as they were attempting to land around 8.11am (2.26am Irish time) at Pheriche Helipad in Solukhumbu.

A police spokesperson said the man who died was 47.

Another passenger on the same aircraft, a New Zealand citizen, was injured in the collision and was taken to hospital.

Both pilots also sustained minor injuries and were taken to Kathmandu for further medical treatment.

Authorities have yet to establish the total number of passengers who were on board the two helicopters at the time of the crash.

Small helicopters are widely used in the Himalayan nation to transport tourists, climbers and supplies, as well as to carry out emergency evacuations.

The country's challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions make aviation operations particularly hazardous.

Nepal is home to eight of the world's 14 highest mountains, including Mount Everest, and attracts thousands of foreign climbers and trekkers every year.