A devastating plane crash at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal has resulted in the deaths of eighteen people.
The aircraft, a Saurya Airlines CRJ200, was attempting to take off for Pokhara when it veered off the runway. It crashed into an embankment and caught fire shortly after takeoff.
According to the Kathmandu Post, rescue teams, including firefighters and the Nepali army, quickly arrived at the scene.
Despite their efforts, 18 of the 19 people on board were declared deceased. Only the pilot survived the crash and was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. The victims included both technical professionals and crew members.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft struggle to climb before deviating off the runway.
Videos from the scene show a large fire near the airport, with thick smoke billowing into the sky.
An official from Tribhuvan International Airport confirmed the sequence of events, stating that the plane caught fire due to a failed takeoff.
Challenging Terrain
Tribhuvan International Airport is known for its challenging topography.
Located atop a plateau and surrounded by steep gorges and valleys, it is considered one of the world's riskiest airports. The complex geography contributes to the high level of risk associated with aviation operations in Nepal.
Nepal's aviation industry has a history of safety issues, with frequent accidents due to poor maintenance and training.
This crash is reminiscent of other tragic aviation incidents in Nepal's history. In 2023, all 72 people aboard a Yeti Airlines aircraft died in a crash in Pokhara. This was the deadliest incident since 167 people perished in a Pakistan International Airlines crash near Kathmandu in 1992.
The exact cause of the fire on the Saurya Airlines aircraft is still unclear. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
