A Saurya Airline plane tragically crashed and caught fire at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday at around 11:00 AM. The incident occurred shortly after the plane took off from the runway. Witnesses reported seeing smoke emanating from the aircraft soon after the crash. Emergency responders, including firefighters, Nepal Police, and the Nepali Army, were swiftly deployed to the crash site.
Contents
Flight Details
The plane was en route to Nepal’s new Pokhara airport for routine maintenance. This new airport, which opened in January, is equipped with state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance hangars. On board were two crew members and 17 technicians, all involved in the maintenance operation.
Casualties and Survivor
The official report from Tribhuvan International Airport stated that 18 bodies were recovered from the wreckage, leaving only one survivor. The sole survivor was the plane’s captain, who is currently receiving medical treatment. Among the deceased were 18 Nepali citizens and one engineer from Yemen.
Immediate Aftermath
Television footage captured the chaotic scene as firefighters battled the intense blaze, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The plane was seen tilting to its right shortly before crashing to the ground. Rescue workers combed through the charred remains, with bodies being transported to ambulances on stretchers, while local residents watched in shock.
Rescue Efforts
Visuals from the site showed rescue teams sifting through the debris spread across lush green fields. The efforts to locate and recover bodies were swift, with emergency personnel working tirelessly amid the destruction.
Cause of the Crash
The exact cause of the crash remains undetermined. Mukesh Khanal, the marketing head of Saurya Airlines, stated that the plane was scheduled to undergo a month-long maintenance starting Thursday. Despite the routine nature of the flight, it remains unclear why the plane crashed. The aircraft involved was identified as a 50-seater CRJ-200 with the registration 9N-AME.
Conclusion
The tragic crash has left many questions unanswered and a nation in mourning. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the cause of the crash to prevent future tragedies.
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and thorough investigations in the aviation industry to ensure passenger and crew safety.
