Nepal Hands Over Saurya Airlines Crash Victims

Nepal has handed over the bodies of 17 victims from the Saurya Airlines crash to their families. The lone survivor, the pilot, remains stable. Authorities are coordinating with international embassies for the Yemeni victim. Lawmakers demand heightened aviation safety measures and comprehensive crash investigations.

Nepal has released the bodies of 17 out of 18 victims from the Saurya Airlines plane crash to their respective families, as confirmed by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, on Sunday. Responding to lawmakers' concerns regarding aviation safety, Pandey announced that efforts are underway to repatriate the body of the Yemeni national through the closest embassy.

"The crash resulted in 18 fatalities and left the captain injured, who is currently recovering at Kathmandu Medical College and is reported to be out of danger," Pandey stated. He added that all bodies, barring the Yemeni national, have been handed over to the next of kin. During a 'Urgent Time' session of Nepal's lower house of parliament, lawmakers underscored the need for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to assume a more proactive role in preventing future air accidents.

Lawmakers also highlighted the necessity for addressing the surge in aviation and bus accidents, as well as issues caused by road blockades due to landslides and flooding. They urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the Saurya Airlines crash and implement stringent measures to enhance aviation safety. The crash, which occurred on July 24 at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, left 18 dead and one injured. The plane, carrying registration number 9NAME, turned right after takeoff and crashed. Gyanendra Bhul, a TIA information officer, confirmed that the aircraft was only carrying technical staff.

(With inputs from agencies.)