A devastating plane crash occurred during takeoff in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu today, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of 18 lives.
The Saurya Airlines flight, destined for the popular mountaineering and tourist hub of Pokhara, was conducting a test flight with 19 people on board, comprising 17 technical staff and two crew members.
As the plane attempted to take to the skies, it tragically crashed, engulfed in billows of fire and smoke, as captured in online videos. The search operation is currently underway, with fears that the death toll may rise further.
Dan Bahadur Karki, spokesperson for the Nepali police, confirmed the devastating loss of life, stating, “We have confirmed 18 deaths, and medics are attending to a pilot who had injuries.” The sole survivor, the pilot, is receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
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This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of Nepal’s poor air safety record. In January 2023, a Yeti Airlines crash claimed the lives of at least 72 people, attributed to a critical error by the pilots.
The Himalayan country’s challenging terrain, with eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains, including Everest, and unpredictable weather conditions, pose significant risks to air travel.
According to a 2019 safety report from the Civil Aviation Authority, aircraft with 19 seats or fewer are more susceptible to crashes due to these inherent challenges.
Saurya Airlines, which operates flights to five destinations within Nepal, boasts a fleet of three Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, but this incident raises concerns about the airline’s safety protocols.
