Tragedy Strikes as Saurya Airlines Plane Crashes in Kathmandu

Eighteen people were killed when a Saurya Airlines plane crashed and caught fire during takeoff in Kathmandu. The aircraft was heading for maintenance at Pokhara airport. The incident underscores Nepal's poor air safety record, with nearly 350 fatalities in plane or helicopter crashes since 2000.

On July 24, a Saurya Airlines regional passenger plane crashed and caught fire during takeoff from Kathmandu, resulting in the deaths of 18 individuals. The aircraft, bound for maintenance at Nepal's new Pokhara airport, carried two crew members and 17 technicians.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal reported that the plane veered to the right and crashed shortly after takeoff. Among those on board, 18 were Nepali citizens, and one engineer was from Yemen. The lone survivor, the captain, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

Visuals from the scene depicted firefighters battling the blaze and thick smoke, as well as the plane tilting before crashing. Rescue efforts continue, highlighting the ongoing issue of air safety in Nepal, where nearly 350 people have perished in aviation incidents since 2000.