Incident: Helicopter crash (fatalities), Nepal

A helicopter carrying 24 people, including workers from the World Wildlife Fund and Nepalese diplomats is missing in Nepal's eastern district of Taplejung. Local residents reported hearing explosions after the aircraft departed. Weather conditions are preventing rescuers from locating the crash site. 9/25/06 Update - The BBC is reporting a search party has located the aircraft wreckage and there are no survivors. Seven WWF staff members were on the helicopter. Condolences to family, friends and colleagues. 9/27/06 Update - A number of news accounts and additional information from this Nepal blog site.