Smoke billows from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, following a plane crash during takeoff on July 24, 2024. AP Photo
On Wednesday, a tragic plane crash in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, claimed the lives of at least 18 people. The incident involved a small aircraft operated by Saurya Airlines that veered off the runway during takeoff. The sole survivor of the crash is the pilot, who is currently in the hospital.
The flight, which was headed to Pokhara for technical maintenance, had 18 Nepali nationals and one Yemeni citizen onboard. According to Gyanendra Bhul, a spokesperson for Tribhuvan International Airport, the crash occurred around 11 a.m. local time. The plane caught fire immediately after the accident, with dramatic images showing thick smoke rising from the burning wreckage on the runway.
The pilot is being rescued. BBC
Emergency response teams quickly moved in to control the situation. However, the crash underscores the inherent dangers of air travel in Nepal. The country’s challenging mountainous terrain, which includes some of the world’s highest peaks like Mount Everest, makes flying particularly risky. Additionally, sudden weather changes and difficult-to-access airstrips add to the dangers faced by pilots and passengers.
A Saurya Airlines plane caught fire at Kathmandu's airport on July 24, 2024. Reuters
Nepal has a history of air accidents, partly due to the country's geographical and climatic conditions. A 2019 safety report by the Civil Aviation Authority highlighted that aircraft with fewer than 19 seats are more prone to accidents in such environments. Despite improvements in safety standards over recent years, Nepal still faces significant challenges, including outdated aircraft and insufficient investment in maintenance.
Rescue teams are looking through the wreckage of the plane crash at Tribhuvan International Airport. AP Photo
This crash brings back memories of previous aviation tragedies in Nepal. In 2023, the country experienced its deadliest crash in over three decades when a Yeti Airlines flight went down near Pokhara, killing at least 68 people. Earlier incidents include a Tara Air flight that crashed into a mountain in May 2022, claiming 22 lives, and a 2018 crash involving a US-Bangla Airlines flight that resulted in 51 fatalities. In 2016, a similar Tara Air flight crashed while traveling the same route as Wednesday's ill-fated journey.
The frequent accidents in Nepal’s aviation sector highlight the need for continued efforts to improve safety and modernize aircraft. While Nepal has made strides in enhancing safety protocols, the harsh flying conditions and the need for better infrastructure continue to pose significant challenges.
