In a devastating incident, a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Wednesday, July 24. The crash claimed the lives of at least 18 people, according to a report by news agency PTI. The ill-fated flight, bound for Pokhara, was carrying 19 individuals, including the aircrew, when the accident occurred at around 11 a.m., said Premnath Thakur, spokesperson for Tribhuvan International Airport, as reported by The Kathmandu Post.
Immediate rescue operations were launched by police and firefighters, who rushed to the scene to assist survivors and extinguish the blaze that had engulfed the aircraft. A significant plume of smoke was seen emanating from the site, indicative of the severity of the fire, according to news portal Khabarhub. Fortunately, the fire was brought under control, but the full extent of the damage and the condition of the surviving passengers remain unclear.
A security official at the airport disclosed that the pilot of the aircraft had been taken to a hospital, although no further details about their condition were provided at the time.
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The Saurya Airlines flight was operating a Bombardier CRJ 200 jet, which is the exclusive model used by the airline, according to its official website. The route to Pokhara is a crucial one, connecting travelers to a major tourism hub in Nepal, known for its breathtaking landscapes and trekking opportunities.
Nepal's aviation sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, facilitating the transport of goods and people across challenging terrains, as well as attracting foreign trekkers and climbers. However, this growth has been overshadowed by persistent safety issues, attributed to inadequate training and maintenance. These concerns have led the European Union to impose a ban on all Nepali carriers from operating within its airspace.
The frequency of aviation disasters in Nepal is alarmingly high, averaging about one major incident per year. Since 2010, there have been at least 12 fatal plane crashes, including this recent tragedy. Notably, in January 2023, a Yeti Airlines flight met with a tragic end near Pokhara, killing all 72 individuals on board. The aircraft plunged into a gorge and burst into flames upon impact.
Similarly, on May 29, 2022, a Tara Air plane crashed in Mustang district, resulting in the deaths of all 22 people aboard. Another tragic incident occurred in 2018, involving a US-Bangla Airlines flight that crash-landed near Tribhuvan International Airport, claiming 51 lives and seriously injuring 20 others.
