Saurya Airlines Crash: 18 Fatalities Confirmed, Captain Rescued

A tragic accident involving a Saurya Airlines aircraft occurred on Wednesday morning at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. The plane, en route to Pokhara for maintenance, crashed during takeoff, resulting in a devastating fire.

The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-200 with a seating capacity of 50, was carrying 19 individuals, all airline staff, including at least 11 aircraft maintenance engineers. This flight was a test run and did not have any regular passengers on board. Authorities have confirmed the deaths of 18 of the 19 people on board.

Captain Manish Shakya, 37, was the sole survivor of the crash. He was rescued from the crash site and transported to KMC Hospital, where he is being treated for an eye injury.

The aircraft, built in April 2003 by the Canadian company Bombardier, was 21 years and 4 months old. It was the sixth of its kind purchased for use in Nepal, as reported by planesspotters.com.

Following the crash, firefighters and security personnel were quickly dispatched to control the blaze, which sent a large plume of smoke into the air.

SSP Dinesh Raj Mainali, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police Office in Ranipokhari, confirmed the details of the incident.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash. Our thoughts are with the families and colleagues of those affected by this tragic event.