Plane Accident
18 people killed in Nepal Plane Crash, Pilot survived
Kathmandu, Nepal — A devastating plane crash at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu claimed the lives of 18 people on Wednesday, with the pilot emerging as the sole survivor. The aircraft, operated by Saurya Airlines, was en route to Pokhara, a popular tourist destination, when it met with tragedy shortly after takeoff.
The ill-fated flight took off at approximately 11:11 a.m. local time. Eyewitnesses and officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) reported that the plane veered sharply to the right moments after becoming airborne, crashing on the eastern side of the runway. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering an immediate emergency response.
Videos circulating on social media captured the horrifying scene, showing the plane engulfed in flames and rescue teams rushing to the site. The fire was brought under control swiftly, but the damage had already been done. Eighteen bodies were recovered from the wreckage, including that of a Yemeni national. The victims were predominantly technical staff of the airline, along with two crew members.
The pilot, Captain Manish Ratna Shakya, was the only person to survive the crash. His cockpit was severed from the rest of the plane by a cargo container just before the aircraft was consumed by fire. Rescuers found Captain Shakya with severe injuries but conscious. He was quickly transported to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for head and facial injuries, as well as fractured vertebrae. Dr. Meena Thapa, the hospital's medical director, confirmed that he is under observation in the neurosurgery unit.
The crash prompted the temporary closure of Tribhuvan International Airport, causing disruptions to other flights. Emergency services, including fire engines and ambulances, were deployed to the scene. Superintendent of Police Dam Bishakarma, who was part of the rescue operation, described the challenging conditions: "He [Captain Shakya] was struggling to breathe due to the open air shield. We broke the window and quickly extracted him."
Nepal's civil aviation minister, Badri Pandey, stated that preliminary investigations suggest the aircraft took off in the wrong direction, leading to the tragic accident. "Immediately after takeoff, it veered right when it should have gone left," Pandey remarked. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities examining all possible factors, including mechanical failure and human error.
Nepal has a troubling history of aviation accidents, often attributed to its challenging mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. This latest crash is a stark reminder of the persistent dangers associated with air travel in the region. In January 2023, a Yeti Airlines flight crashed near Pokhara, killing 72 people, marking the deadliest aviation disaster in Nepal since 1992.
The incident has once again brought Nepal's air safety standards under scrutiny. The country has faced criticism for its inadequate safety protocols and frequent aviation mishaps. The European Union has banned Nepali airlines from its airspace since 2013, citing safety concerns.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the factors that led to this tragic event and preventing future occurrences. The families of the victims are left to mourn their loved ones, while the lone survivor, Captain Shakya, battles for recovery. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved aviation safety measures in Nepal to protect the lives of passengers and crew alike.