On Wednesday, a tragic incident unfolded in Nepal's capital as a small plane skidded off the runway, resulting in the loss of at least 18 lives. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that all 19 individuals on board, who were employees of Saurya Airlines, were involved in the crash. Despite the severity of the situation, one person miraculously survived.
Images captured by Nepal police depicted thick smoke emanating from the burning aircraft on the airport runway. The fatal crash occurred during takeoff from Kathmandu to Pokhara at approximately 11 a.m. local time. The aircraft was en route for technical maintenance when the unfortunate event transpired.
Following the crash, immediate rescue efforts were initiated, and the aviation authority managed to bring the situation under control. This incident once again sheds light on the perils of air travel in Nepal, a country known for its challenging flying conditions due to its mountainous terrain.
Nepal, home to several of the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest, has a history of aviation accidents attributed to factors such as unpredictable weather and the placement of airstrips in remote, mountainous regions. According to a 2019 safety report, aircraft with 19 seats or fewer are particularly susceptible to accidents in such demanding environments.
While safety standards in Nepal have seen some enhancements in recent years, persistent challenges persist. The lack of investment in aging aircraft further compounds the risks associated with flying in the region. Tragically, the country has witnessed several devastating plane crashes in the past, including the worst crash in over three decades in 2022, where 68 individuals lost their lives in a Yeti Airlines accident near Pokhara.
In May 2022, a Tara Air flight departing from Pokhara crashed into a mountain, claiming the lives of 22 passengers. Additionally, in 2018, a US-Bangla Airlines flight from Dhaka to Kathmandu crashed upon landing, resulting in 51 fatalities. Similarly, in 2016, a Tara Air flight met a tragic fate while flying the same route as the recent crash, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by Nepal's aviation sector.
