On July 24, 2024, a devastating aviation incident occurred in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. A small aircraft crashed during takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport, resulting in the loss of 18 lives. The sole survivor, the captain of the aircraft, is currently receiving medical treatment.
The ill-fated flight was transporting 17 technicians and two crew members to Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest city, where they were scheduled to repair another aircraft. Tej Bahadur Poudyal, spokesperson for Tribhuvan International Airport, confirmed the tragic outcome.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage revealed the aircraft briefly becoming airborne before tilting and crashing. The impact caused a fire, prompting immediate response from firefighters who worked to extinguish the blaze amidst thick black smoke.
Rescue efforts were swiftly initiated, with workers searching through the wreckage scattered across nearby fields. Local residents observed as bodies were carefully transported to awaiting ambulances.
The aircraft involved in the incident was identified as a Bombardier model operated by Saurya Airlines, a domestic carrier in Nepal. Saurya Airlines operates two Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets, both approximately 20 years old.
This tragic event has once again brought Nepal's air safety record into focus. Since 2000, nearly 350 individuals have lost their lives in aviation accidents within the country. The challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions of Nepal, home to eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, contribute to the complexities faced by its aviation sector.
The most severe incident in Nepal's aviation history occurred in 1992 when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus crashed near Kathmandu, claiming 167 lives. More recently, in January 2023, a Yeti Airlines crash resulted in 72 fatalities, attributed to pilot error.
Nepal's aviation industry, crucial for its tourism sector and domestic connectivity, has been working to improve safety standards. The country has been implementing measures to enhance air traffic management systems and upgrade airport infrastructure. However, this latest incident underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring air travel safety in the region.
As investigations into the crash begin, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of continued efforts to enhance aviation safety in Nepal and the need for international cooperation in addressing these critical issues.