KATHMANDU, Nepal – A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday as a plane crashed shortly after departure from Nepal’s capital, resulting in the loss of 18 lives and leaving the pilot as the sole survivor. Amid the wreckage, authorities confirmed the recovery of all 18 bodies, with the pilot sustaining injuries to his eyes but fortunately not facing any life-threatening condition as he receives medical care at Kathmandu Medical College Hospital.

According to a press release issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the domestic flight by Saurya Airlines took off from Kathmandu airport towards the town of Pokhara at 11:11 a.m. local time before encountering a fatal moment as it attempted to turn right and crashed in the eastern section of the airport. Despite the prevailing monsoon rain season in Kathmandu, which often presents challenging flying conditions, reports indicated that rainfall was not a factor during the crash, although visibility was significantly limited across the capital.

Nestled within a mountain-enclosed valley, Kathmandu airport is renowned for posing challenges to pilots due to its unique geographic location. The airport’s proximity to the city, surrounded by residential areas, adds to the complexity of landings, with larger aircraft having to navigate through a mountain opening for arrival. Established as the primary airport catering to Nepal, the site has witnessed its fair share of aviation incidents over the years.

Upon the tragic crash, the deceased individuals were transferred to T.U. Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for post-mortem examinations. The flight’s manifest revealed a total of 19 individuals onboard, comprising two pilots and 17 passengers, including both Nepali and Yemeni nationals. As emergency response crews and investigative teams commenced their work, Tribhuvan International Airport has been temporarily closed to facilitate the ongoing operations.

Saurya Airlines, the carrier operating the ill-fated flight, typically utilizes the Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft for its domestic routes. The aviation industry in Nepal has previously faced challenges and tragedies, notably in 2019 when a Bangladeshi airliner incident led to 51 fatalities, and in 2015 when a Turkish Airlines jet encountered difficulties while landing in adverse weather conditions.

Despite the series of aviation setbacks, authorities and industry experts continue to emphasize the importance of stringent safety measures and comprehensive investigations to prevent future tragedies and enhance air travel safety standards. The aftermath of the recent plane crash serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel and underscores the necessity for ongoing vigilance and regulatory oversight within the aviation sector in Nepal.