Nepalese Plane Crash Claims 18 Lives, Sole Survivor Undergoes Treatment

A Nepalese private plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport, killing 18 people and injuring the pilot. The Bombardier CRJ-200 of Saurya Airlines was headed for maintenance in Pokhara. Immediate rescue operations saved the injured pilot, though the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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

The Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft of Saurya Airlines, with 19 people aboard, was bound for Pokhara International Airport for regular maintenance service. The accident occurred at 11.11 am (local time).

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal stated that shortly after takeoff, the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway. Rescue operations were initiated immediately, and the fire was controlled. Captain Manish Ratna Shakya, the injured pilot, was rescued and taken to the hospital, but 18 others were found dead.

(With inputs from agencies.)