In a tragic incident, a Saurya Airlines jet crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, leading to an immediate shutdown of the airport. The crash occurred at approximately 11 AM, involving 19 individuals on a flight destined for Pokhara.
Premnath Thakur, a spokesperson for the airport, provided initial details of the incident to the Kathmandu Post. Emergency services, including police and firefighters, quickly responded to the scene, initiating rescue operations. Despite their swift action, 18 of the crew members and passengers perished in the crash. The only survivor, Captain Manish Shakya, a 37-year-old pilot, was rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Sinamangal.
The exact cause of the crash remains unclear. However, initial reports from South Asia Time indicate that the aircraft, a Mitsubishi CRJ-200ER, veered off the runway during its takeoff attempt and burst into flames. The Himalayan Times added that several technical staff members were among those on board the ill-fated flight.
Eyewitness accounts cited by the Kathmandu Post provide a harrowing picture of the crash. Observers reported seeing the aircraft attempting to ascend from the southern end of the runway. Suddenly, it tilted, causing its wingtip to scrape the ground. This contact ignited a fire, and the plane ultimately crashed into a nearby gorge on the eastern side of the runway.
As rescue operations continue, investigators are working to determine the factors that led to this tragic accident. The authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including technical failure or human error. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has pledged a thorough investigation to uncover the causes behind the crash and to prevent future tragedies.
Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal’s busiest airport, has a history of aviation accidents, highlighting ongoing concerns about air travel safety in the region. The crash has once again raised questions about the adequacy of safety measures and the need for stringent regulatory oversight to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew.
In the aftermath of the crash, there has been an outpouring of grief and condolences from across the nation. Families of the victims have been informed, and the government has assured them of full support. Prime Minister of Nepal has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and emphasized the importance of improving aviation safety standards.
The tragic accident at Tribhuvan International Airport is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in air travel. It underscores the urgent need for continuous improvements in aviation safety protocols and infrastructure. As Nepal mourns the loss of 18 lives, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and conducting a meticulous investigation to understand the causes of the crash.
The aviation community, both within Nepal and globally, watches closely as the investigation unfolds. The findings will be crucial in shaping future safety measures and policies to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring again. The collective hope is that through these efforts, air travel in Nepal will become safer and more reliable for all.
