Nepal plane crashes during takeoff, 18 dead

Kathmandu, July 24

A Nepalese private plane crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport here on Wednesday, killing 18 people aboard, including a child, and seriously injuring the pilot — the only survivor.

The Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft of Saurya Airlines, carrying 19 people, including two crew members and technical staff of the airline, was bound for the Pokhara International Airport for regular maintenance service when the accident occurred at 11.11 am local time.

“Shortly after take-off from runway 2, the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway,” said a statement issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. It said rescue operations were initiated immediately and the fire was brought under control.

“One injured person (Captain Manish Ratna Shakya) was rescued and taken to the hospital, and 18 people were found dead,” it added. The aviation authority identified one of the passengers as a child named Adhiraj Sharma, who was the son of Manu Raj Sharma, a technician of Saurya Airlines. Sharma’s wife Priza Khatiwada and their four-year old son Adhiraj died in the crash.

A statement issued by the airline said Priza and her son were initially identified as employees of the company, but it was later revealed that they were passengers. Videos posted online showed the plane being enveloped in fire and smoke. Pilot Captain Manish Shakya, 37, is undergoing treatment at the Kathmandu Model Hospital. Of the deceased, 15 died on the spot, while three died during treatment at a local hospital, authorities said.

Prime Minister KP Oli said he was deeply saddened by the tragic deaths in the crash and was at the site to inquire about the cause of the air crash with the Civil Aviation Authority’s officials. — PTI

Deadly Journey
360 persons have died in 19 crashes since 2000

Jan 15, 2023: Plane crashes in Pokhara, all 72 aboard killed

May 29, 2022: Four Indians among 22 killed near Pokhara

Feb 27, 2019: Tourism minister among 7 killed in eastern Nepal

March 12, 2018: 51 of 71 killed on a Bangladeshi airliner

Feb 24, 2016: All 23 on board killed as Twin Otter aircraft crashes in west Nepal

Feb 16, 2014: All 18 on board killed as small plane of state-run Nepal Airlines Corp crashes

Sept 28, 2012: 7 Britishers among 19 killed in Kathmandu

Sept 25, 2011: Plane carrying foreigners to view Mt Everest crashes, all 19 on board dead

Dec 16, 2010: 22 killed as plane crashes in eastern Nepal

Oct 8, 2008: 18 persons, mostly foreigners, killed in crash in remote northeast Nepal

Aug 22, 2002: All 18 aboard killed as Twin Otter crashes into a mountain in bad weather

July 27, 2000: Royal Nepal Airlines plane crashes in western Nepal, all 25 people aboard dead