A devastating event unfolded at Tribhuvan International Airport when a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff, claiming the lives of 18 of the 19 passengers on board. The ill-fated flight, en route to Pokhara, involved a Bombardier CRJ-200ER with registration 9N-AME and serial number 7772, which sent out its last signal at 05:26:25 UTC time.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the tragic accident occurred as the aircraft skidded off the runway during takeoff, triggering a response from emergency services at the scene. The crash, which took place around 11 am local time, resulted in the dispatch of police and firefighters to the site to manage the aftermath, eventually successfully extinguishing the fire that erupted post-crash.
In response to the crash, key figures like TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur have provided updates on the incident, mentioning that rescue operations are in progress. Moreover, reports indicate that the pilot of the aircraft has been transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The circumstances surrounding the crash have prompted concerns about the safety practices within Nepal's aviation industry, leading to questions about training and maintenance standards.