A plane carrying 19 people crashed at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport on July 24, 2024, resulting in 18 fatalities. The Saurya Airlines plane was headed to Pokhara for maintenance when it crashed, with the pilot being the sole survivor. He suffered serious injuries, including eye injuries, and is currently being treated at a local hospital.
The cause of the crash is currently unknown and under investigation. Eyewitnesses reported that the plane suddenly flipped during takeoff, causing its wing tip to strike the ground and resulting in a fire. This incident adds to Nepal's history of plane crashes, including a Yeti Airlines crash in January 2023 that killed 68 people.
Nepal's aviation industry faces safety concerns due to its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. Despite efforts to improve safety standards, the country continues to experience plane crashes. The investigation into this latest incident will aim to determine the cause and identify measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.