In a devastating incident on Wednesday morning, a Saurya Airlines plane crashed during takeoff at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people. The aircraft, bound for Pokhara with 19 individuals on board, including crew members, encountered a fatal mishap at approximately 11 am local time.
Emergency responders swiftly mobilized to the scene, battling flames that erupted from the plane, which was reported to be emitting thick smoke. Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, the tragic crash claimed the lives of 18 passengers, leaving only the pilot surviving, who has been hospitalized for treatment.
Saurya Airlines operates exclusively with Bombardier CRJ 200 jets, according to their official website. The flight was headed towards Pokhara, a prominent tourism destination nestled in the Himalayas, underscoring the significance of air travel in Nepal’s remote regions and its tourism industry.
Nepal, known for its rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions, has witnessed a series of aviation tragedies over the years, often attributed to inadequate training and maintenance issues. The European Union’s ban on Nepali carriers due to safety concerns underscores ongoing challenges in the country’s aviation sector.
This latest crash adds to a distressing history of air disasters in Nepal, averaging about one major incident annually. Recent years have seen multiple fatal crashes, including a Yeti Airlines tragedy in 2023 near Pokhara and a Tara Air accident in 2022 in Mustang district, highlighting persistent safety issues in the region.
The crash near Kathmandu in 2018 involving a US-Bangla Airlines flight remains one of Nepal’s deadliest aviation disasters, claiming 51 lives. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the risks faced by air travelers in this mountainous nation, where air transport is crucial for connecting remote areas and supporting tourism.
