A tragic plane crash in Kathmandu, Nepal has resulted in the deaths of 18 people, with the pilot being the only survivor. The Saurya Airlines plane, carrying 17 passengers and two crew members, crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
The incident occurred during a test flight of a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200, which was en route to Pokhara. The bodies of the victims were taken to a local hospital for autopsy, while the pilot was being treated for injuries to the eyes but was reported to be out of danger.
Images of the aftermath showed the plane’s fuselage split apart and charred, with rescue workers sifting through the wreckage. The Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal’s main airport, was temporarily closed as emergency workers and investigators conducted their work.
The crash highlights Nepal’s poor aviation safety record, attributed to insufficient training and maintenance, as well as the challenging geography of the region. The country’s mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions make flying particularly hazardous.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by both local and international travelers in the Himalayan country, with previous deadly crashes occurring in recent years. The aviation industry in Nepal has experienced a boom in recent years, but safety remains a critical concern for authorities and passengers alike.
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