KATHMANDU, Nepal: A passenger plane carrying 19 people crashed during takeoff in Kathmandu on Wednesday, resulting in multiple fatalities.
According to police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki, the pilot has been rescued and is receiving treatment, but “many have not survived.”
The Saurya Airlines flight, en route to Pokhara, crashed around 11:00 am local time. The plane caught fire, releasing significant smoke, as police and firefighters rushed to the scene for rescue efforts.
Saurya Airlines operates Bombardier CRJ 200 jets, which are known for their reliability. However, Nepal’s aviation industry has faced criticism for poor safety standards due to inadequate training and maintenance. This incident underscores ongoing safety concerns, which have led to the European Union banning all Nepali carriers from its airspace.
Nepal’s booming air industry plays a crucial role in connecting remote areas and supporting tourism, yet it remains troubled by persistent safety issues.
