NEWS AFFAIRS 7 : WHERE EVERY STORY HAS IT'S AFFAIR!
Last updated on July 26th, 2024 at 06:37 am
In a tragic event on Wednesday, a small plane belonging to Saurya Airlines veered off the runway and crashed in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. Local officials reported that the crash claimed the lives of 18 people, leaving only one survivor from the ill-fated flight.
Details of the Crash
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal confirmed that the crash occurred at approximately 11 a.m. local time as the aircraft was taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport, en route to Pokhara for technical maintenance. Gyanendra Bhul, an information officer at the airport, provided further details, noting that the plane burst into flames upon veering off the runway.
Photos released by Nepal police showed thick smoke billowing from the burning aircraft. Rescue operations commenced immediately, and emergency services quickly brought the situation under control. Despite the swift response, 18 of the 19 people on board, all of whom were employees of the airline, perished in the crash.
Survivability and Response
The sole survivor’s condition remains critical, and they have been rushed to a local hospital for urgent medical attention. The aviation authority emphasized the efficiency of the rescue operations, which were crucial in preventing further casualties and damage.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
This incident underscores the persistent dangers of air travel in Nepal, a country with a notoriously challenging flying environment. The Himalayan nation, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including Mount Everest, has a history of air accidents due to its rugged terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Previous Air Disasters
Nepal’s aviation sector has been marred by numerous accidents over the years:
- Yeti Airlines Crash (2023): A Yeti Airlines flight crashed near Pokhara, resulting in 68 fatalities, marking the deadliest air disaster in the country in over three decades.
- Tara Air Crash (May 2022): A Tara Air flight from Pokhara crashed into a mountain, killing all 22 on board.
- US-Bangla Airlines Crash (2018): A flight from Dhaka, Bangladesh, crashed upon landing in Kathmandu, causing 51 deaths.
- Tara Air Crash (2016): Another Tara Air flight crashed on the same route as the 2023 incident, highlighting the recurring risks on these treacherous routes.
Contributing Factors
Terrain and Weather
Nepal’s mountainous landscape and abrupt weather changes contribute significantly to the risks associated with air travel. Airstrips are often situated in remote, hard-to-reach areas, increasing the complexity of flights.
Aircraft and Safety Standards
Despite improvements in safety standards, challenges remain. The use of older aircraft, coupled with limited investment in aviation infrastructure, exacerbates the dangers. These factors, combined with the difficult flying conditions, continue to pose serious threats to aviation safety in Nepal.
The crash of the Saurya Airlines plane in Kathmandu is a somber reminder of the hazards associated with flying in Nepal. As rescue operations conclude and investigations begin, the focus will undoubtedly turn to improving safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The incident adds to the long list of air disasters in the Himalayan region, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and investment in aviation infrastructure.
