Tragic Plane Crash in Nepal: Saurya Airlines Flight Crashes at TIA

KATHMANDU, July 24:Nepal faced a tragic event on Wednesday as a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. The accident led to the temporary shutdown of the airport.

The plane, carrying 19 people including crew members, was heading to Pokhara. The crash occurred around 11 AM, according to TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur, as reported. Rescue operations by police and firefighters are currently underway at the crash site.

Local media images showed smoke rising and plane wreckage scattered across a ditch. The fire has been brought under control. Despite the monsoon season, it was not raining at the time of the crash, although visibility was low.

According to recent updates, 18 people on board the aircraft died, except for the pilot, who is undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Medical College Hospital. Police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki confirmed that 18 bodies had been recovered, including one foreign national.

The Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft, registered as CRJ7 (Reg-9NAME), took off at 11:11 AM local time and crashed shortly after takeoff, east of the runway. TIA's statement indicated that rescue operations began immediately after the fire was controlled.

Kathmandu airport remains closed as emergency crews continue their efforts. This tragic incident underscores the challenges and dangers faced in aviation, particularly in regions with difficult weather conditions and terrain.