This is a developing story, we will continue to update as more news updates emerge.
On 24th July, a Saurya Airlines CRJ-200/ER aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
The CRJ-200/ER with registration 9N-AME was en route to Pokhara with nineteen passengers and crew members on board. All those on board were the airline employees and the aircraft was being ferried to Pokhara for maintenance.
However, soon after takeoff from runway 02, the aircraft met with the accident at 11:11 am local time.
According to preliminary reports, eighteen people have lost their lives, whereas the flight captain MR Shakya has been rushed to the hospital. The captain is the only survivor of the crash.
“Captain Manish Shakya was rescued at 11:34 and taken to KMC Hospital. He can speak. He has an eye injury,” said Kathmandu Valley Police Office SSP Dinesh Raj Mainali.
Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft suddenly flipped with the wing tip hitting the ground. As a result, the aircraft caught fire immediately and then plunged into a gorge on the eastern side of the runway, between Buddha Air hanger and the radar station.
The aircraft crashed 200 meters to the right of the runway centreline and burst into flames. Footage shared on the internet shows the thick smoke billowing from the crash site.
“Shortly after takeoff from runway 02 the aircraft veered to the right and crashed at the east side of the runway. Rescue operations were initiated immediately. The fire was brought under control, one injured person (the captain) was rescued and taken to a hospital and 18 people were found dead.”
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
Rescue operations are currently underway at the crash site, led by police and firefighters.
According to local reports, the pilot crew of the ill-fated flight included Captain Manish Shakya and Co-Pilot Susant Katuwal. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) confirmed that all 19 onboard including the crew members were Saurya Airlines staff.
The passengers on board, were identified as follows:
Featured Image via RONB