The Ditible
A tragic aviation incident occurred on Wednesday as a CRJ200 plane carrying 19 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu Airport. The aircraft, operated by Saurya Airlines, was en route to Pokhara when it veered off the runway and burst into flames.
According to local authorities, 18 of the 19 individuals on board, including two crew members and 17 airline staff, have tragically lost their lives. The pilot is the sole survivor and has been transported to a hospital for treatment.
The plane, despite its capacity to accommodate 50 passengers, failed to gain altitude after takeoff and subsequently skidded off the runway, falling down an embankment before igniting. Dramatic footage from the scene captured the aircraft engulfed in flames with thick plumes of smoke rising above Tribhuvan International Airport.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and the Nepal Army, were immediately dispatched to the crash site. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Known for its challenging terrain and precarious location on a plateau surrounded by deep valleys, Kathmandu Airport is considered one of the world’s riskiest airports. Nepal’s aviation industry has a history of safety concerns, attributed to factors such as inadequate training and maintenance.
This latest tragedy follows the devastating Yeti Airlines crash in Pokhara last year, which claimed the lives of all 72 people on board. The incident has reignited concerns about the safety standards within Nepal’s aviation sector.
