13 die as tragedy strikes as Saurya Airlines plane crashes in Kathmandu

In a tragic incident, a Saurya Airlines CRJ-200 aircraft crashed while taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning, resulting in the loss of five lives. The plane, which was en route to Pokhara, was carrying 19 individuals, predominantly technical staff of the airline.

#WATCH | Plane crashes at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu

Details awaited pic.twitter.com/DNXHSvZxCz

— ANI (@ANI)

#WATCH | Plane crashes at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu

Details awaited pic.twitter.com/DNXHSvZxCz

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

">July 24, 2024

Gyanendra Bhul, information officer at TIA, confirmed the fatalities. The identities of the deceased have yet to be disclosed. The pilot, along with several other injured passengers, has been transported to a local hospital for urgent medical care.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke billowing from the aircraft shortly after the crash, prompting immediate deployment of police personnel and firefighters to the scene. Rescue operations are currently ongoing as authorities work to secure the site and assist any remaining survivors.

The ill-fated aircraft was part of the fleet acquired by India’s Kuber Group in 2019 for 630 million Nepali rupees. In 2021, the airline considered rebranding to Kuber Airlines, although the plan was subsequently put on hold.

This incident raises concerns over aviation safety in Nepal, a country known for its challenging flying conditions due to mountainous terrain and variable weather. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation as authorities seek to determine the factors leading to this devastating event.

Further updates are awaited as officials continue to gather more information on the crash and its aftermath.