Tragic Plane Crash in Nepal Claims 18 Lives

On Wednesday, a devastating plane crash in Nepal resulted in the death of 18 people, after a Saurya Airlines aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu.

The incident, which took place around 11:15 local time, involved a test flight intended for maintenance checks. Tragically, out of the 19 people on board, including technical staff and two crew members, only the pilot survived and is currently receiving medical attention.

Eyewitness reports state that the plane had barely left the ground when it veered off course. Airport chief Jagannath Niraula indicated that the plane turned right instead of making a left turn immediately after takeoff.

Footage from the incident shows the aircraft tilting above the runway before crashing and catching fire. Rescue workers battled flames and smoke while sifting through the wreckage, which left large sections of the plane charred and blackened.

Among the deceased are 17 Nepalese individuals and one Yemeni engineer who was working with the airline. The police reported that the pilot suffered injuries but is not in critical condition.

This tragic accident raises concerns about Nepal’s aviation safety, which has been criticized for years. Previous incidents, including a deadly crash in January 2023 involving Yeti Airlines that took 72 lives, highlight ongoing issues in the industry.