Tragic Crash of Saurya Airlines Plane in Kathmandu Highlights Nepal's Air Safety Record

A Saurya Airlines plane crashed during takeoff from Kathmandu, killing 18 people, including crew and technicians. The incident underscores Nepal's troubled air safety history. Prime Minister Oli visited the site, calling for patience as an investigation is launched. The crash halted operations at Kathmandu airport temporarily.

A tragic accident claimed 18 lives when a Nepal's Saurya Airlines plane crashed and erupted into flames while taking off from Kathmandu on Wednesday, officials reported.

The aircraft, on a routine maintenance flight to Pokhara airport, veered off course shortly after takeoff and crashed on the runway's east side, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

This disaster draws renewed attention to the poor air safety record of Nepal, a nation heavily dependent on air travel amidst its challenging terrain. Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli visited the crash site and urged citizens to be patient, as an emergency cabinet meeting was convened to investigate the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)