Nepal- Kathmandu airport witnessed a devastating plane crash on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 18 people, including a Yemeni national and a child. The pilot, miraculously, emerged as the sole survivor.
Eighteen people were killed in a heartbreaking plane crash at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday morning. A Saurya Airlines plane skidded off the runway while taking off, leading to a horrific accident.
The plane was carrying two crew members and 17 technicians to the city of Pokhara for a routine maintenance check, airport security chief Arjun Chand Thakuri told Reuters. It is a stark reminder of how quickly routine missions can turn tragic.
Pilot Manish Shankya was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to a nearby hospital. He is currently being treated for a head injury. The Nepal Army led the rescue operation, responding swiftly to the disaster situation.
Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene to The Kathmandu Post. They saw the plane flip over after a wingtip of the plane brushed the ground while taking off. The plane caught fire almost immediately and crashed into a ditch on the eastern side of the runway. Can you imagine the horror of witnessing such a sudden, horrific accident?
Saurya Airlines, a local carrier, owns the plane. They operate domestic flights within Nepal using two Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets, each of which is about 20 years old, according to Flight Radar 24. The age and condition of the aircraft will likely be at the center of the upcoming investigation.
Why is flying in Nepal so dangerous? The crash is the latest in a series of aviation tragedies in the country, which is known for its challenging flying conditions. In January last year, a Yeti Airlines plane crashed just before landing in Pokhara, killing 72 people, including five Indians. Since 2000, about 350 people have died in plane or helicopter accidents in Nepal.
The deadliest incident occurred in 1992 when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus crashed into a hill near Kathmandu, killing 167 people. This latest accident highlights Nepal’s grim aviation history and the urgent need for improved safety measures. How can such accidents be prevented in the future? Better regulatory oversight and stricter safety protocols may be part of the solution.
This tragedy underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the ever-present need for vigilance in ensuring the safety of air travel. As the investigation progresses, the focus will likely be on preventing such disastrous events from occurring again.
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/saurya-airlines-plane-crash-takeoff-nepal-kathmandu-9472419