A tragic incident in Nepal has led to the loss of 18 lives following a plane crash during takeoff.
A plane destined for Pokhara crashed shortly after takeoff, erupting into flames and resulting in significant fatalities, The Daily Caller reported.
The aircraft, operated by Saurya Airlines, had 17 company employees and two crew members on board during what was described as a test flight from Kathmandu.
Jagannath Niraula, head of Tribhuvan International Airport, provided a grim recount of the incident. "The crash happened as soon as it left the ground, in not even a minute... As soon as it took off, it turned right [when it] should have turned left."
The only survivor was the aircraft's pilot, who is currently under medical care. Tej Bahadur Poudyal, a spokesman for the airport, stated, "Only the captain was rescued alive and is receiving above at speeding treatment at a hospital." The victims of the crash comprised 17 Nepalis and one individual from Yemen.
Following the disaster, Nepal's Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, addressed the nation and visited the crash site. In his messages, he urged the populace to remain calm and patient.
Authorities continue to investigate the precise cause of the tragedy. Initial reports from the scene and footage have not yet pinpointed the factors leading to the swift and fatal crash.
Pokhara, the intended destination for the flight, is widely known as a gateway for trekking in the Annapurna region. This incident is particularly shocking for a community that is focused on welcoming tourists.
The local community and the families of the victims await further details as authorities piece together the sequence of events. Authorities have acknowledged the efforts of first responders, although they could not save the passengers except for the pilot.
During his visit to the site, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli addressed the media and the public, emphasizing the need for patience during this difficult time.
Scrutiny also falls on Nepal's aviation safety standards, with calls for immediate reviews and potential safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
This crash adds to Nepal's history of aviation issues, marked by several accidents over the years due to its mountainous terrain and variable weather conditions. The investigation's outcomes are eagerly awaited by those directly affected and the entire aviation industry.
In conclusion, the tragic crash of a Saurya Airlines aircraft has resulted in significant loss of life and a solemn reassessment of aviation protocols in Nepal. As the community mourns, the focus turns to understanding the crash's causes and ensuring the safety of future flights.
