KATHMANDU, Nepal – In a tragic turn of events, a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 18 people.
The ill-fated flight, which was bound for Pokhara, had a total of 19 passengers and crew members on board.According to eyewitness accounts and official reports, the plane skidded off the runway shortly after beginning its takeoff roll, leading to the devastating crash. Rescue teams, including police and firefighters, immediately rushed to the scene, but their efforts were hampered by the intense flames and thick smoke engulfing the aircraft.
As of now, 13 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, while the captain, MR Shakya, has been transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The identities of the victims have not been officially released, pending notification of their families.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and the nation as a whole. Tribhuvan International Airport has been temporarily closed, and all flights have been diverted or canceled as authorities work to secure the area and investigate the cause of the accident.
“This is a devastating tragedy, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” said a spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. “We are working closely with the airline and the relevant authorities to determine the exact cause of the crash and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.”
The Saurya Airlines plane, a twin-engine turboprop, was approximately 15 years old and had a clean safety record prior to the crash. However, Nepal’s aviation industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including aging aircraft, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of trained personnel.
