The pilot of the Saurya Airlines plane that crashed at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the sole survivor of the tragic accident, according to a statement from TIA.
The crash, which occurred at approximately 11:11 AM local time, resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals. TIA officials confirmed that the plane, a CRJ7 with registration number 9N-AME, took off from Kathmandu en route to Pokhara but crashed on the east side of the runway shortly after takeoff.
“The aircraft turned right after takeoff and crashed,” said a TIA spokesperson. “Fire was brought under control quickly, and rescue operations commenced immediately. We recovered 18 bodies and rescued one injured person who was taken to the hospital.”
The lone survivor, identified as 37-year-old pilot Manish Shakya, was rushed to KMC Hospital in Sinamangal.
Initial reports from the Nepal Police indicated that 15 bodies were found at the crash site. The plane was carrying only technical staff of Saurya Airlines, with no passengers on board, as it was being flown to Pokhara for maintenance. Gyanendra Bhul, TIA’s information officer, confirmed that the plane had only a few technical staff members on board.
Witnesses reported seeing smoke emanating from the plane shortly after it crashed. Firefighters and security personnel, including Nepal Police and the Nepali Army, were deployed to the site to control the situation.
As a result of the crash, Tribhuvan International Airport has been closed, affecting dozens of flights. Both inbound and outbound flights have been suspended. According to The Himalayan Times, domestic flights have been halted at various airports, and international flights have been either put on hold or diverted to other locations. The airport will remain closed until the rescue operation is completed.
