Nepal Private Plane Crash: 18 Dead, Pilot Lone Survivor

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Posted by pallavi on 2024-07-25 02:34:31 |

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Tragic Incident in Kathmandu

A devastating plane crash occurred in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Wednesday when a 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft belonging to Saurya Airlines crashed shortly after taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 19 people including crew members and technical staff, was en route to Pokhara for maintenance service. The crash, which took place at 11:11 AM, resulted in the death of 18 individuals, including a child, his parents, and a Yemeni national. The pilot, Captain Manish Ratna Shakya, was the only survivor and is currently undergoing surgery for eye and spinal injuries.

Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Efforts

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal reported that the plane veered off to the right shortly after takeoff and crashed on the east side of the runway, bursting into flames. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, extinguished the fire, and rescued the injured pilot, while 18 bodies were recovered from the wreckage. Television footage showed the plane enveloped in thick black smoke, with rescue workers sifting through the charred remains and transporting bodies on stretchers to ambulances.

Investigation and Response

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekh visited the crash site, expressing their condolences and seeking details about the incident. A 5-member investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the accident. The aircraft, manufactured by Bombardier and now under Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, was one of three CRJ-200 jets operated by Saurya Airlines. Nepal's aviation sector has faced criticism for safety issues, exacerbated by challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain. This tragic incident adds to the concerning history of air crashes in the country, with over 900 fatalities since 1955.

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