A tragic plane crash in Kathmandu, Nepal, claimed the lives of 18 individuals, leaving only the captain alive.

The deadly incident occurred on Wednesday when a Saurya Airlines CRJ-200 aircraft, shortly after departing from Kathmandu, crashed and exploded, as Fox News reports.

Nepali Passenger Plane Crashes After Takeoff

The ill-fated flight was operated by Saurya Airlines and was en route to Pokhara, a popular destination in Nepal. The CRJ-200 aircraft, which has a seating capacity of 50, was carrying 19 people on board.

The plane's passengers included 18 Nepali citizens and one Yemeni citizen, all employees of the airline. The technicians on board were traveling to Pokhara to conduct routine maintenance at a new airport.

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft veered off to the right, skidding off the runway and crashing on the east side. Following the crash, the plane exploded, engulfing the area in flames and sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

Explosion Captured in Shocking Video

Video footage captured the horrific moment of impact and showed firefighters battling the intense blaze. Photos from the scene depict the desperate search-and-rescue efforts as emergency personnel attempted to locate survivors in the charred wreckage.

Tragically, 18 individuals lost their lives in the crash. The sole survivor, the plane's captain, was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. His condition remains undisclosed.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal confirmed the sequence of events leading to the crash in an official statement. "Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway," the statement read.

Kathmandu Airport Faces Temporary Closure

In the aftermath of the crash, Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily closed to handle the emergency situation. However, the airport was reopened within hours, minimizing disruption to other flights.

Mukesh Khanal, the marketing head of Saurya Airlines, commented on the incident, stating, "It is unclear why it crashed." The precise cause of the accident remains under investigation.

This incident further underscores the challenges of air travel in Nepal, a country known for its challenging airstrips situated near the mountains. Kathmandu's airport itself is located in a valley surrounded by treacherous terrain, making navigation particularly difficult.

Nepal’s Troubling Air Safety Record

Unfortunately, Nepal has a history of aviation accidents with a poor air safety record. Since the year 2000, approximately 350 passengers have perished in various aircraft incidents within the country.

The mountainous landscape of Nepal poses significant obstacles to safe air travel, often resulting in disastrous outcomes. The deadliest aviation incident in Nepal's history occurred in 1992 when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus crashed, killing 167 people.

Despite ongoing efforts to improve air safety measures, the frequency of such accidents remains a critical issue, causing concern among officials and passengers alike.

Investigations and Future Precautions

Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of this tragic crash. The importance of identifying potential mechanical failures or human errors is essential to prevent future incidents.

As with previous incidents, this crash highlights the urgent need for stringent safety protocols and improved training for aviation personnel. The findings of the investigation may lead to significant changes in how flights are operated and regulated.

The recent crash serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of air travel in regions with difficult geographical conditions, where even the slightest error can lead to catastrophic results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the devastating crash of the Saurya Airlines plane near Kathmandu has resulted in heavy casualties, with 18 lives lost and only the captain surviving. The incident has cast a spotlight on Nepal's precarious air travel conditions and the nation’s ongoing struggle with aviation safety.

Video footage and eyewitness accounts have provided crucial insights into the final moments of the doomed flight, prompting urgent calls for improved safety measures. As investigations continue, the aviation community awaits findings that may help avert similar tragedies in the future.

The reopening of Kathmandu’s airport marked the resumption of normalcy, but the incident remains etched in the memory of the nation, a somber reminder of the perilous nature of air travel in mountainous regions.