Tragedy struck Nepal’s aviation sector once again as a Saurya Airlines plane crashed during takeoff at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, claiming the lives of at least 18 people on board. The incident, which occurred on July 24 morning, underscores ongoing concerns over air safety in the Himalayan nation, where such accidents have unfortunately become all too frequent.
The ill-fated flight, bound for Pokhara, involved a Saurya Airlines aircraft carrying 19 individuals, isncluding two crew members and 17 technicians. According to reports from Airport Security Chief Arjun Chand Thakuri, the plane skidded off the unway during takeoff and crashed into a field east of the runway. Tragically, the impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, adding to the severity of the incident. Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene to extinguish the blaze and tend to survivors.
Authorities have confirmed that the pilot of the aircraft was rushed to a hospital for treatment, though specific details about their condition have not been disclosed. The incident has once again spotlighted Nepal’s aviation safety challenges, which have been a subject of criticism due to past accidents attributed to factors like inadequate training and maintenance standards. Saurya Airlines, the carrier involved, operates domestic flights within Nepal using Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets, both of which are approximately two decades old. The crash adds to a grim history of aviation disasters in Nepal, including a notorious incident in January last year involving a Yeti Airlines plane that resulted in 72 fatalities due to pilot error.
In conclusion, the tragic plane crash at Kathmandu’s airport serves as a stark reminder of Nepal’s ongoing struggle with aviation safety issues. Despite being a popular destination for tourists and adventurers, Nepal’s challenging terrain, remote airstrips, and unpredictable weather pose significant risks for air travel. The government and aviation authorities face ongoing scrutiny and pressure to enhance safety measures and improve training standards to prevent future tragedies. As investigations into the latest crash continue, the aviation community mourns the lives lost and remains vigilant towards addressing systemic issues to ensure safer skies over Nepal.
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