Kathmandu plane crash kills 18, pilot survives


(MENAFN) On Wednesday, a devastating plane crash in Kathmandu resulted in the death of 18 out of the 19 people on board, with only the pilot surviving the incident. The flight, operated by Souria Airlines, was a test flight carrying two crew members and 17 company employees. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ200, was en route to Pokhara, a popular tourist destination in Nepal. The crash occurred around 11:15 a.m. local time, and images released by the Nepalese military depicted the wreckage engulfed in flames, with the fuselage severely damaged and split.

The Nepalese police have confirmed that the bodies of the deceased, which include one foreign national, have been recovered and are being transported to the morgue. The surviving pilot is currently receiving medical care. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that the aircraft may have deviated from its runway path before catching fire. This incident underscores the ongoing safety challenges faced by Nepal's aviation sector, which, despite growth driven by increased transportation needs, continues to struggle with the complexities of operating in mountainous terrain.

Nepal's aviation industry is grappling with significant safety issues, exacerbated by its challenging geography, which affects training and maintenance procedures. The tragic crash highlights the critical need for continued efforts to address these safety concerns as the sector expands.

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