KATHMANDU, July 24: A Saurya Airlines Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft crashed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) while attempting to take off for Pokhara on Wednesday morning, killing 18 out of 19 people on board. 

Soon after getting airborne at around 11.11 am, the plane tilted towards the right hitting an object on the ground and skidded off the runway, leaving behind a trail of smoke and fire, according to eyewitnesses. 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) issued a press statement confirming that the aircraft with call sign 9N-AME veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway shortly after takeoff from Runway 02, which aligns from the south to the north.

The ill-fated flight, designated as Saurya Airlines Flight 710, was carrying technical staff of the airliner to Pokhara along with family members of a staff member including a minor along with a citizen of Yemen.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with a massive explosion. 

Captain Shakya, the sole survivor of the crash 

The crash tragically claimed the lives of 18 people. The sole survivor was Captain Manish Shakya, 37, who was piloting the aircraft. Captain Shakya was rescued from the wreckage and rushed to the nearby Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. 

Initial reports indicate that he sustained multiple injuries, including severe injury on his head, legs, and other body parts. Despite his critical condition, Captain Shakya is conscious and is reportedly out of danger. Nevertheless, his condition remains serious, and medical professionals are closely monitoring his progress as he undergoes intensive treatment after being shifted to the ICU.

Crash affects flight operations

Following the crash, the TIA was closed for almost two hours leading to disruptions of both international and domestic flights. The airport closure lasted until a thorough investigation of the crash site was completed, and the wreckage was cleared. The crash occurred near the runway, which was cordoned off by emergency services to ensure the safety of recovery operations. 

Investigation and government response

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak visited the crash site to oversee the emergency response and to express their condolences. An emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers was convened to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Minister Lekhak pledged that a detailed inquiry will be conducted to determine the causes of the accident and to implement measures to enhance aviation safety.

The investigation will focus on several key areas, including potential mechanical failures, pilot error, and environmental conditions at the time of the crash. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has assembled a team of experts to assist in the investigation and to ensure that all relevant factors are thoroughly examined. Additionally, the airport's emergency response procedures and protocols will be reviewed to identify any areas for improvement.

Aircraft details

The aircraft involved in the crash, a Bombardier CRJ-200 with registration number 9N-AME, is a jet aircraft manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace in Montreal, Canada. The CRJ-200 model has a seating capacity of up to 50 passengers and is commonly used for regional flights. This particular aircraft was manufactured in April 2003 and had previously been operated by various airlines before being acquired by Saurya Airlines in March 2017. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was conducting a routine flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a popular domestic route.

Eyewitness accounts

Eyewitnesses at the scene provided harrowing accounts of the crash. According to reports, the plane appeared to struggle as it attempted to gain altitude. According to eyewitnesses, shortly after takeoff, the aircraft collided with a container located behind the Buddha Airlines’ hangar, resulting in a violent explosion and a subsequent fire. The intense flames and smoke made it challenging for emergency responders to access the wreckage and rescue any survivors.

Emergency services, including firefighters and medical teams, arrived promptly at the scene. Despite their swift response, the severity of the fire and the extent of the damage posed significant obstacles to their efforts. Rescue operations were further complicated by the hazardous conditions at the crash site, including the risk of secondary explosions and structural instability.

Victims identified

The identities of the deceased have been confirmed, and their bodies have been transported to the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) for autopsy. Among the victims were several experts within the aviation industry, including Sagar Acharya, Ashwin Kumar Niraula (CAMO Manager), and Dilip Verma. Also among the deceased are Manuraj Sharma, a technician; his wife Priza Khatiwada; and their young son Adhiraj Sharma. Additionally, foreign national Arif Reda from Yemen is confirmed to be among the fatalities.

While the families of the victims are mourning their loss, the news of the tragedy has shocked the entire nation. The relatives of the victims have gathered at the hospital. The bodies of the victims are expected to be released to the families three days after the autopsies are completed.

Three members of the same family among crash victims

The plane crash claimed the lives of three members of the Sharma family. Manu Raj Sharma, a technician of Saurya Airlines, his wife Priza Khatiwada and their four-year old son Adhiraj Sharma, died in the accident.

Priza worked as an assistant computer operator at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, while Manu Raj was employed as a technician at Saurya Airlines. All three died in the crash.

The statement issued by Saurya Airlines said that Priza and her son were initially identified as employees of the company, but it was later revealed that they were passengers.

Public and official reactions 

The crash has triggered a strong reaction from public figures and officials alike. Sher Bahadur Deuba, President of the Nepali Congress, expressed his deep sorrow and sympathy for the families of the victims. The tragedy also prompted calls for a thorough review of aviation safety protocols and emergency response procedures.

In the wake of the crash, there is a heightened focus on ensuring the safety and reliability of Nepal's aviation industry. The government and relevant authorities are expected to implement recommendations from the investigation and to take necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Ongoing investigation and next steps

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with aviation experts, investigators, and authorities working diligently to determine the precise causes of the accident. The investigation will involve a detailed examination of the aircraft's systems, the flight data recorder, and other relevant evidence. Additionally, interviews with witnesses and the sole survivor, as well as a review of the aircraft's maintenance history, will be conducted.

Authorities say they are committed to providing updates as the investigation progresses and to ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to enhance safety in the aviation sector.

 
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