Pilot Survives as Plane Carrying 19 Crashes in Nepal, Killing 18
Pilot survives tragic plane crash in Nepal; 18 killed. Read the latest news and updates on this heartbreaking incident.
In the latest aviation tragedy in Nepal, a country with a grim history of air disasters, 18 out of 19 people aboard a plane perished shortly after takeoff. The sole survivor, the pilot, is currently receiving medical treatment.
The incident involved a domestic flight operated by Saurya Airlines. The plane was carrying 19 individuals, including two crew members and 17 technicians, en route to Pokhara for maintenance checks, according to Arjun Chand Thakuri, the airport security chief.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal reported that the Saurya Airlines flight departed from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at approximately 11:10 am local time (6:25 am UK time). Shortly after takeoff, the plane veered right and crashed into the eastern section of the airport.
Television broadcasts captured the harrowing moments before the crash, showing the plane barely above the runway before tilting and crashing. Footage also displayed firefighters battling to extinguish the ensuing blaze as thick black smoke billowed into the sky.
Emergency services, including police and army personnel, swiftly responded to the crash site, now a scene of charred wreckage. Police official Basanta Rajauri confirmed that the bodies of all 18 deceased have been recovered. The sole survivor, the pilot, was pulled from the wreckage alive and transported to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital for treatment of eye injuries. His condition, while serious, is not life-threatening, according to hospital doctors.
Investigation and Speculation
The cause of the crash remains undetermined. Although Kathmandu is currently in the midst of the monsoon season, it was not raining at the time of the crash. However, visibility was reportedly low across the capital, which may have played a role.
Saurya Airlines, a domestic carrier in Nepal, operates with two Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets, each approximately 20 years old, as per Flight Radar 24. Tribhuvan International Airport, the primary airport in Nepal for both international and domestic flights, was temporarily closed following the crash but has since reopened.
Nepal’s Troubled Aviation History
Nepal’s air safety record has long been a subject of concern. Since 2000, nearly 350 people have lost their lives in plane or helicopter crashes in the Himalayan nation. The rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and challenging flying conditions have all contributed to the country’s perilous aviation landscape.
The deadliest aviation disaster in Nepal occurred in 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus crashed into a hillside while attempting to land in Kathmandu, resulting in 167 fatalities.
This latest tragedy underscores the persistent issues facing Nepal’s aviation sector. The country’s topography, combined with variable weather conditions, makes flying particularly hazardous. Moreover, the aging fleet of aircraft and often rudimentary infrastructure further exacerbate safety concerns.
Ongoing Challenges and Responses
In response to the recurring aviation accidents, Nepal’s government and aviation authorities have been under pressure to enhance safety measures. This includes upgrading airport facilities, improving pilot training, and ensuring stricter maintenance protocols for aircraft. International aviation bodies have also urged Nepal to adhere to global safety standards to mitigate the risks associated with flying in the region.
The resilience and prompt action of Nepal’s emergency services during such incidents are commendable, but the overarching need for systemic improvements in aviation safety remains critical. As the investigation into the Saurya Airlines crash unfolds, it will hopefully provide insights that can help prevent future tragedies.
The crash of the Saurya Airlines plane, resulting in 18 fatalities, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Nepal’s aviation industry. While the survival of the pilot provides a glimmer of hope, the incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive safety reforms to prevent further loss of life in the skies over Nepal.
https://news-sky-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/news.sky.com/story/amp/plane-crash-kills-18-as-passenger-jet-slips-off-runway-while-attempting-take-off-at-nepal-airport-13184082?amp_js_v=0.1&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D
Source: Sky news
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