A tragic incident occurred today at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. A domestic flight operated by Saurya Airlines, carrying 19 people, crashed while attempting to take off for Pokhara. The plane slipped off the runway, leading to a devastating crash. Immediate reports indicate that all passengers on board have tragically lost their lives, with the exception of the pilot, who is currently receiving medical treatment at Kathmandu Medical College Hospital.
Images from local media show smoke billowing from the wreckage, scattered across a nearby ditch, with emergency responders working to extinguish the fire and manage the aftermath. Tribhuvan International Airport has been shut down as authorities and rescue teams continue to respond to the emergency. Despite the monsoon season in Kathmandu, reports suggest it was not raining at the time, though visibility in the area was limited. Saurya Airlines typically operates the Bombardier CRJ 200 on its domestic routes, though the cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Nepal’s aviation history has been marred by tragedy, with concerns raised over its air safety record. Since 2000, nearly 350 lives have been lost in airplane or helicopter accidents across the Himalayan nation, as reported by Reuters.
In the latest developments of the Nepal plane crash, it has been confirmed that the aircraft involved in Wednesday’s tragic incident was a Mitsubishi CRJ-200. This aircraft model typically accommodates up to 50 passengers. According to Bloomberg, Flightradar24 data indicates that the airline operates a fleet of two such aircraft.
In the aftermath of the Nepal plane crash, the bodies of the passengers and staff who tragically lost their lives have been transported to the TU Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for autopsy. Associated Press reports confirm the presence of two pilots aboard the aircraft. Among the 17 passengers and staff onboard were a female crew member and one foreign national.
In an official statement released by Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu regarding the Nepal plane crash, it was confirmed that the CRJ7 aircraft (Registration 9NAME) belonging to Sourya Airlines departed from Kathmandu at 11:11 am local time bound for Pokhara. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft veered right and crashed on the eastern side of the runway. Emergency responders swiftly brought the ensuing fire under control and commenced rescue operations immediately.
Tragically, the bodies of 18 individuals were recovered from the crash site, while one injured person was successfully rescued and transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
In the latest update on the Nepal plane crash, authorities have confirmed that all passengers and staff, except the pilot, tragically lost their lives when the Saurya aircraft crashed at Kathmandu airport on Wednesday. “Eighteen bodies have been recovered, including one foreigner,” police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki told AFP.
Kathmandu airport temporarily shut after accident.
Following the tragic incident involving a small plane carrying 19 passengers and crew, Kathmandu airport has temporarily suspended operations.
How did the incident unfold to result in the accident?
A domestic flight carrying 19 individuals met with tragedy as it slid off the runway during takeoff from Kathmandu’s airport, resulting in a devastating crash. The pilot, who survived the incident, has been transported to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital for medical care.
