In a tragic incident early Wednesday morning, a domestic passenger jet operated by Saurya Airlines met with a catastrophic accident at Kathmandu airport, Nepal, resulting in the deaths of 18 individuals. The pilot, who is the sole survivor, narrowly escaped and is currently receiving medical care.
Details of the Incident: The ill-fated aircraft, carrying two crew members along with 17 technicians headed to Pokhara for maintenance duties, failed to take off correctly and veered off the runway. Shortly after, it caught fire, leading to a desperate rescue and firefighting effort captured live by local television stations.
Arjun Chand Thakuri, the airport security chief, confirmed the details of the crash and the fire that ensued, which was visible across the capital city as thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Emergency services rushed to the scene in a bid to control the fire and manage the aftermath.
Pilot’s Condition and Survivorship: The pilot was rescued from the wreckage and taken to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital. A doctor from the hospital reported that the pilot sustained eye injuries but was not in life-threatening danger. The identity of the pilot and the names of the deceased have yet to be released as officials work to notify next of kin.
Investigation and Airline Details: Saurya Airlines, the operator of the crashed jet, is known for its domestic services within Nepal and uses Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets for its flights. According to Flight Radar 24, the aircraft involved in the crash was approximately 20 years old, raising questions about its maintenance and operational standards.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities looking into all possible angles, including mechanical failure and human error. The aviation community and regulatory bodies are closely monitoring the situation to ensure such an incident does not recur.
Global and Local Reactions: This tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community and the international aviation industry, highlighting the ongoing challenges and risks associated with air travel in mountainous regions like Nepal. Safety protocols and regulations will likely come under scrutiny in the aftermath of this deadly crash.
As the investigation unfolds, further details are expected to be released, providing clarity on the dynamics of the crash and potential avenues for enhancing flight safety standards in Nepal and beyond.
