At least five dead after helicopter crashes near Mount Everest

At least five people have died after a helicopter carrying tourists crashed near Mount Everest.

Basanta Bhattarai, the chief government administrator in the area, has announced that rescuers recovered five bodies after the aircraft came down in the Lamajura area in Nepal today (11 July).

Rescuers are still searching for a sixth person, who remains missing after the crash.

The incident took place as the helicopter had been making its return journey to the capital Kathmandu, after bringing the five tourists on a sightseeing trip to the mountain.

Weather conditions in the area caused changes to be made to the helicopter's planned flight route, according to airport official Sagar Kadel, though it's common for flights to be changed during the monsoon season amid heavy rains.

This particular flight took place after the typical tourist and mountaineering season ended in May to make way for the rainy season.

Flights to the mountain are typically less common this time of year as a result, with weather conditions becoming unpredictable.

The tourists on board the helicopter were believed to be Mexican nationals, while the pilot was Nepalese.