Jul 24 (Jowhar.com) – At least 18 people died after a small plane crashed at the airport of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu.The pilot, who was hospitalized, is the only survivor of the Saurya plane crash. All 18 Nepali passengers and a Yemeni crew member died.
Pictures taken by the Nepalese police showed heavy smoke billowing from the burning plane as it made its way onto the airport’s runway.
The plane crashed while flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara city around 11 am local time.
This plane crash once again highlights the dangers of air travel in Nepal, a country often described as one of the most dangerous places to fly for a variety of reasons including its mountainous terrain.
Although the country has improved safety standards in recent years, challenges remain, and lack of investment in aging aircraft increases aviation risk.
Last year, Nepal experienced its worst plane crash in more than 30 years, after at least 68 people died when a Yeti Airlines plane crashed near Pokhara. In May 2022, a Tara Air flight from Pokhara crashed into a mountain, killing 22 people.
In early 2018, a US-Bangla Airlines flight from Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka to Kathmandu crashed on landing and caught fire, killing 51 people.And in 2016, a plane belonging to Tara Air crashed while flying the same route in 2023.
These tragic incidents have raised concerns about the safety of air travel in Nepal and have prompted calls for further improvements in the country’s aviation industry. The government has been urged to take action to address issues such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of proper training for pilots, and poor maintenance of aircraft.
Despite these challenges, Nepal remains a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The country’s breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic Himalayas, continue to attract adventurers from around the world.
As the investigation into the latest plane crash gets underway, authorities are working to determine the cause of the tragedy and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. It is hoped that lessons will be learned from this tragedy and that measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of air travel in Nepal for both locals and visitors alike.
