Immediate reports indicate that an investigation into the plane crash has been launched. This incident adds to the alarming toll of fatal air crashes in Nepal, with nearly 360 fatalities over the last two decades.

In a tragic incident highlighting the perilous nature of aviation in Nepal, a Saurya Airlines plane carrying 19 passengers caught fire during takeoff in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

The Civil Aviation Authority reported that the 9N-AME/CRJ 200 aircraft, operated by Saurya Airlines, crashed at 11:11 AM during its takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport en route to Pokhara.

Captain Manish Shakya, 37, was rescued and transported to KPC Hospital, as confirmed by police. Unfortunately, all other passengers onboard did not survive.

Immediate reports indicate that an investigation into the crash has been launched. This incident adds to the alarming toll of fatal air crashes in Nepal, with nearly 360 fatalities over the last two decades.

Since 2000, Nepal has experienced 19 significant air crashes, with this latest one marking the 20th. The country’s geography presents formidable challenges for aviation, characterized by rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Many airports serve remote regions, where flights are crucial due to the lack of road access.

However, limited investments in modern aircraft and infrastructure, as well as inadequate regulatory oversight, have contributed to a high risk of crashes. Recent high-profile accidents raise serious questions about the safety standards of domestic airlines.

The worst air disaster since 1992 occurred on January 15, 2023, when a twin-engine ATR 72 operated by Yeti Airlines crashed in Pokhara, killing all 72 people aboard. Other tragedies include a helicopter crash in July 2023 that claimed six lives, including five Mexican tourists, and a May 2022 crash that killed 22 people shortly after takeoff from Pokhara.

This pattern of crashes illustrates a troubling trend, with recurrent disasters including a Twin Otter aircraft crash in 2014 that killed 18 and another incident in 2016 that took the lives of 23 passengers. Between 2000-2010, over nine major plane crashes occurred, killing over 110 people.

The Nepalese aviation industry faces a challenging crossroads, balancing the necessity of air travel with the heavy burden of ensuring passenger safety in a landscape fraught with barriers.

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