A tragic plane crash occurred at Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people. The Saurya Airlines plane, which was carrying 19 individuals, crashed and caught fire while taking off from the capital, Kathmandu.
Dramatic Footage and Rescue Efforts
A dramatic video clip capturing the exact moment of the crash has surfaced on social media. The footage shows the plane engulfed in flames shortly after skidding off the runway. The plane was transporting two crew members and 17 technicians to Pokhara city to repair another aircraft.
“Only the captain was rescued alive and is receiving treatment at a hospital,” said Tej Bahadur Poudyal, spokesman for Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.
Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath
Television visuals showed firefighters battling the blaze and thick black smoke rising into the sky. The plane could be seen flying just above the runway before tilting and crashing. Other visuals depicted rescue workers sifting through the charred remains of the aircraft, scattered across lush green fields. Bodies were carried to ambulances on stretchers as local residents watched in horror.
Details of the Aircraft and Investigation
The crashed aircraft was identified as a Bombardier, owned by local Saurya Airlines. The airport was temporarily closed following the incident. Saurya Airlines operates domestic flights in Nepal with two Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets, both around 20 years old, according to Flight Radar 24.
Nepal’s Troubling Air Safety Record
Nepal has been criticized for its poor air safety record, with nearly 350 people having died in plane or helicopter crashes in the country since 2000. The deadliest incident occurred in 1992 when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus crashed into a hillside while approaching Kathmandu, killing 167 people.
More recently, in January 2023, at least 72 people were killed in a Yeti Airlines crash, which was later attributed to the pilots mistakenly cutting off power.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing challenges facing Nepal’s aviation industry and the urgent need for improved safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
