Nepal Plane Crash: 18 Dead As Saurya Airlines Flight Crashes in Kathmandu

In a tragic incident, at least 18 people were killed when a Saurya Airlines aircraft carrying 19 individuals crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The accident, which occurred at approximately 11 am on July 24, has once again highlighted the ongoing concerns about air safety in the region.

The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-200 operated by the private airline Saurya Airlines, was bound for Pokhara when it skidded off the runway and crashed. The plane caught fire after veering off the runway and crashed into a field east of the runway.

According to media reports, the plane had 19 people on board, including 17 technicians and two crew members. Airport Security Chief Arjun Chand Thakuri confirmed these details, stating, "It (the plane) caught fire after skidding off the runway at Kathmandu airport and crashing into a field east of the runway."

Emergency Response

Emergency responders, including police and firefighters, were quick to the scene. The fire that broke out from the aircraft was extinguished, and efforts were made to rescue any survivors. "The pilot of the aircraft has been taken to a hospital," a security official at the airport told the news agency PTI, without providing further details about the pilot's condition.

Aircraft and Airline Information

Saurya Airlines, the operator of the ill-fated flight, runs domestic flights within Nepal using two Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets, both approximately 20 years old, according to Flight Radar 24 data. The airline and aviation authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
 

Nepal's Troubled Aviation History

This tragic incident is the latest in a series of aviation accidents that have plagued Nepal. The country has faced significant criticism over its air safety record, which has been marred by several fatal crashes in recent years. In January, a plane crash caused by pilot error resulted in the deaths of 72 people.

Nepal's challenging terrain, with its remote and mountainous areas, makes air travel particularly risky. Many of the country's runways are located in difficult-to-access regions surrounded by snow-covered peaks and subject to turbulent weather conditions. Experts attribute the high number of crashes to insufficient training and maintenance within the aviation sector.

Ongoing Challenges and Reactions

Nepal attracts numerous tourists and foreign mountain climbers, leading to a boom in aviation as airlines expand services to hard-to-reach zones. However, this increase in air traffic has not been matched by improvements in safety standards.

The crash at Tribhuvan International Airport underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and better training for aviation personnel in Nepal. As investigations continue, the focus will be on preventing such tragedies in the future and ensuring the safety of all passengers flying in and out of the country.

The aviation community and the families of those affected by this latest disaster are in mourning, as the country grapples with yet another devastating loss in its skies.