Tragic Plane Crash in Kathmandu: Five Dead After Aircraft Catches Fire

A small plane caught fire and skidded off the runway during takeoff in Kathmandu, Nepal, killing at least five people. The aircraft, operated by Saurya Airlines, was en route to Pokhara for maintenance with 19 individuals on board. Nepal's air safety record, previously criticized, faces scrutiny once again.

At least five people lost their lives when a small plane caught fire and skidded off the runway while taking off from Kathmandu's capital on Wednesday, confirmed by media and officials.

The aircraft, carrying two crew members and 17 technicians to Pokhara for maintenance checks, was operated by Saurya Airlines, said Airport Security Chief Arjun Chand Thakuri. The Kathmandu Post reported that five bodies were recovered from the crash site. Visuals showed firefighters battling the blaze, as black smoke billowed into the sky.

'It caught fire after skidding off the runway and crashing into a field east of the runway,' Thakuri added. Saurya Airlines operates domestic flights using two Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, both around 20 years old. Nepal's air safety record has faced criticism, with past incidents like the 1992 Pakistan International Airlines crash that killed 167, and the recent Yeti Airlines crash in January 2023, which claimed 72 lives due to pilot error.