A tragic plane crash occurred in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of 18 lives. The Saurya Airlines flight, carrying 19 passengers and crew members, was on a test flight headed towards Pokhara, a popular tourist destination in the country.
The disaster unfolded shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport, around 11:15 AM local time. Witnesses reported hearing cracking noises emanating from the plane before it turned sharply and crashed onto the eastern side of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames, creating a horrifying scene captured in videos circulating online.
Emergency responders rushed to the site, battling the blaze and working tirelessly to rescue survivors. Sadly, only the pilot managed to escape the wreckage with injuries, while the remaining passengers and crew perished in the accident.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. While officials have yet to release any definitive conclusions, the reported cracking sounds suggest a potential mechanical failure. The incident has raised concerns about Nepal’s aviation safety record, which has been marred by several accidents in recent years.
This latest tragedy has left the nation in mourning and serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in air travel. Saurya Airlines, a domestic carrier operating a fleet of three Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
As Nepal grapples with the aftermath of this devastating crash, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of air travelers in the country. The incident underscores the need for stringent safety protocols and continuous efforts to improve the aviation infrastructure to prevent such tragedies in the future.
SKJ