In a tragic incident on Wednesday, a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal resulting in the death of 18 people. The aircraft, which was en route to the popular resort town of Pokhara, had 19 individuals on board, including the aircrew.
Incident Details
- Time and Location: The accident occurred at around 11:15 local time (05:30 GMT), shortly after the plane took off from Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Immediate Response: Following the crash, police and firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to carry out rescue operations. The fire that broke out from the aircraft was extinguished promptly.
- Casualties: Out of the 19 people on board, 18 bodies have been recovered. One injured person, including the pilot, was rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment.
- Aircraft Information: Saurya Airlines, a domestic carrier with a fleet of three Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, operates flights to five destinations within Nepal. Each aircraft has a capacity of 50 passengers.
Official Statements and Reactions- Nepal Plane Crash
- Nepal Civil Aviation Authority: The authority’s search and rescue coordination centre reported that the plane “turned right and crashed on the east side of the runway.” They confirmed that the fire was brought under control and rescue efforts commenced immediately.
- Police Confirmation: Nepali police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki confirmed the deaths to BBC Nepali.
- Airport Official: An airport official mentioned that “some cracking noises were heard” from the plane before the crash.
Nepal’s Air Safety Concerns
Nepal has faced criticism for its poor air safety record. This latest incident adds to a series of unfortunate aviation disasters in the country. In January 2023, a Yeti Airlines crash resulted in the deaths of at least 72 people, attributed to pilot error.
Conclusion
The crash of the Saurya Airlines aircraft is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in aviation safety within Nepal. The prompt response from emergency services helped mitigate further casualties, but the incident highlights the urgent need for improvements in air safety measures. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring safer skies in the future.
