In a tragic incident on Wednesday (July 24, 2024) morning, 18 persons onboard a Saurya Airlines aircraft were killed after the plane crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal capital Kathmandu.
Initial reports from the ‘Kathmandu Post’ had placed the death toll at five, but this was later revised to 18 by other news outlets. The accident occurred around 11 am, according to sources.
The ill-fated aircraft, which was en route to Pokhara, included both passengers and crew among the victims even as the pilot is learnt to have had a miraculous escape. A security official stationed at the airport confirmed that the pilot of the aircraft was taken to the hospital. The official also noted that a fire, which had erupted from the aircraft following the crash, had since been extinguished.
Rescue operations are currently being conducted by the police and firefighters at the accident site. At this time, further details about who the accident occurred remain unknown.
The accident has cast a shadow over the aviation sector in Nepal. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined and the authorities are expected to launch an investigation to ascertain the factors that led to this tragedy.
