A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded at Nepal's Kathmandu airport on Wednesday morning as a small passenger plane crashed and erupted in flames during takeoff. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across the nation, has claimed the lives of 18 individuals, with only the captain miraculously surviving.
At approximately 7:30 AM local time on Wednesday, a DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft operated by Saurya Airlines embarked on its scheduled flight from Kathmandu to Lamidanda, a remote town in the Dolakha district. On board were 19 passengers, including two infants, and three crew members. However, the plane's ill-fated journey was tragically cut short within minutes of takeoff.
As the Twin Otter ascended into the morning sky, witnesses near the Tribhuvan International Airport reported hearing an unusual sound emanating from the aircraft. A thick plume of black smoke erupted from the plane, followed by a deafening thud as it crashed into the ground. Eyewitnesses rushed to the scene, desperately attempting to assist the victims.
Tragedy at Kathmandu Airport: Fatal Plane Crash Claims 18 Lives
Upon arrival, emergency responders were met with a harrowing sight. The wreckage of the plane lay scattered across the field, engulfed in flames. Firefighters immediately worked to extinguish the blaze while paramedics tended to the injured. However, their hopes of locating survivors diminished with each passing moment.
As the flames subsided, the grim reality of the situation became apparent. Of the 22 individuals on board, 18 had perished in the crash. The victims included 14 Nepali nationals, three Indian nationals, and one Bangladeshi national. Their identities have been released and their families are being notified of the devastating news.
Miraculously, the plane's captain, Prabhakar Ghimire, managed to escape the wreckage with critical injuries. He was immediately airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu, where he is receiving intensive medical care. Ghimire is the only known survivor of the crash and his testimony is expected to provide valuable insights into the events that led to the tragedy.
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash. A team from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is examining the wreckage and reviewing flight data to determine what went wrong. The incident is a major setback for Nepal's aviation industry, which has already faced challenges in recent years.
The government of Nepal has declared a national day of mourning to honor the victims of the plane crash. Flags flew at half-mast across the country and a memorial service was held in Kathmandu for the departed souls. The families of the victims are receiving condolences and support from the government and the international community.
The fatal crash has raised concerns about the safety of air travel in Nepal, particularly for small airlines operating in remote areas. Critics have called for stricter regulations and better infrastructure to ensure the safety of passengers.
The plane crash at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport is a tragic reminder of the fragility of human life. The loss of 18 precious lives is a profound tragedy that has sent shockwaves through Nepal and beyond. As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, the nation mourns its lost loved ones and seeks comfort in the midst of its grief.
