- 18 out of 19 passengers killed in a Saurya Airlines crash at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- The CRJ200 plane skidded off the runway and caught fire shortly after takeoff.
- Nepal’s aviation industry faces scrutiny over safety standards and training.
A tragic plane crash at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport claimed the lives of 18 out of the 19 people on board a Saurya Airlines flight bound for Pokhara.
The CRJ200 aircraft caught fire after skidding off the runway just minutes after takeoff, plunging down an embankment. The Nepal military confirmed the recovery of 18 bodies, with videos showing large plumes of smoke rising from the crash site.
Deadly Plane Crash in Kathmandu: 18 Lives Lost in Fiery Disaster
Nepal’s aviation sector has long been criticized for its poor safety record, plagued by insufficient training and maintenance. The country’s challenging terrain, combined with the complex approaches to its airports, makes flying particularly hazardous. This incident, following a deadly crash in 2023, further highlights the urgent need for improvements in aviation safety standards.
Initial reports suggest that the plane did not gain sufficient altitude upon takeoff, causing it to slip off the runway and fall down an embankment. Videos from the incident show thick smoke billowing from the crash site, illustrating the severity of the accident. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the disaster.
Nepal’s aviation industry is notorious for its poor safety standards, largely due to inadequate training and maintenance. The country’s airports, such as Tribhuvan International, are known for their challenging terrain and difficult approaches, further complicating flight operations. This crash is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities within Nepal’s air travel sector.
The incident follows a series of fatal crashes in Nepal, including the 2023 Yeti Airlines disaster in Pokhara that claimed 72 lives. These recurrent tragedies underscore the urgent need for significant improvements in the country’s aviation safety protocols and infrastructure. International bodies have often flagged Nepal’s air safety as a major concern, calling for stricter regulations and better oversight.
The tragic crash at Tribhuvan International Airport serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for enhanced safety measures in Nepal’s aviation sector. Immediate and comprehensive reforms are necessary to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
“The tragedy at Tribhuvan International Airport highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Nepal’s aviation safety standards.”
