Tragedy Strikes as Saurya Airlines Plane Crash Claims 18 Lives in Kathmandu

At least 18 people were killed today (Wednesday) when a small plane crashed and caught fire while taking off from Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. The plane, operated by Saurya Airlines, was en route to Pokhara with 19 individuals on board, including two crew members and 17 technicians. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but the aircraft lost altitude shortly after takeoff. Only the captain survived and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Eyewitness reports and footage from the scene showed firefighters battling the flames and rescue teams searching through the wreckage scattered across the fields. This tragic incident has raised alarms about aviation safety in Nepal, which has a notorious record of aviation accidents, with nearly 350 fatalities since 2000. The airport was temporarily closed following the crash but has since reopened. Saurya Airlines, established a decade ago, operates Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft on domestic flights, primarily catering to the busy route between Kathmandu and Pokhara, a major tourist destination. Despite the recent boom in air transport in Nepal, the industry faces significant challenges including inadequate training and maintenance, compounded by the country's difficult geography and rapidly changing weather conditions. The European Union has banned all Nepalese airlines from its airspace due to these safety concerns. Previous incidents, such as the January 2023 Yeti Airlines crash that killed 72 people, highlight the ongoing issues within Nepal's aviation sector.