A tragic incident unfolded in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, on Wednesday morning as a passenger plane carrying 19 people crashed during takeoff. The aircraft, operated by Saurya Airlines, reportedly caught fire after skidding on the runway, prompting immediate response from fire crews and Nepal’s military.
The crash occurred around 11:15 am local time (0530 GMT), according to Nepal’s military, which deployed a quick response team to aid in rescue efforts. Details are still emerging, with Kathmandu airport general manager Jagannath Niroula stating that further information is being confirmed.
The Kathmandu Post reported that the flight included 19 individuals, including crew members. Khabarhub described the scene as the airplane releasing a significant plume of smoke following the crash.
The aircraft was en route to Pokhara, a popular tourism destination in Nepal known for its proximity to the Himalayas. Saurya Airlines operates Bombardier CRJ 200 jets exclusively, as listed on its website.
Nepal’s aviation sector has expanded in recent years, serving both domestic needs and international tourists, yet safety concerns persist due to issues with training and maintenance. The European Union has previously barred Nepali carriers from its airspace due to safety worries.
The country’s challenging terrain, characterized by difficult mountainous approaches and unpredictable weather, further complicates air travel. Nepal has seen significant air accidents in the past, with the most recent major incident occurring in January 2023, when a Yeti Airlines flight crashed during landing at Pokhara, resulting in 72 fatalities.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of those on board the ill-fated flight as investigations and rescue operations continue.
