Kathmandu, Nepal : A devastating plane crash at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu has resulted in the loss of 18 lives, leaving only one survivor from the 19 people on board.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, shaking the nation and prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
According to reports from local media outlets, the ill-fated flight was a Saurya Airlines aircraft bound for Pokhara. Shortly after 11 am local time, the plane veered off the runway during takeoff, subsequently bursting into flames. Despite efforts by airport firefighters and assistance from the Army, the 50-seater aircraft was engulfed in fire after it failed to gain altitude and crashed down an embankment.
Premnath Thakur, spokesperson for Tribhuvan International Airport, confirmed the tragic details, highlighting that among the casualties were members of the aircrew. The sole survivor, identified as the pilot, miraculously escaped the inferno that consumed the aircraft.
This catastrophic incident is reminiscent of another air tragedy that struck Nepal last year when a Yeti Airlines plane crashed near Pokhara, claiming 72 lives. As the nation mourns this latest loss, authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine its cause.
The aftermath of this aviation disaster underscores ongoing concerns about flight safety in Nepal, a country where air travel is often relied upon due to challenging terrain and road infrastructure. As families of the victims await further information and support, the Nepalese aviation community and international observers alike are grappling with the sobering reality of another devastating loss of life in the skies over Kathmandu.
