18 die in plane crash

A Saurya Airlines plane crashed while attempting to take off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, killing 18 of the 19 people on board, including two crew members and 16 technicians. The only survivor, the pilot, suffered injuries and is receiving treatment at a local hospital. Eyewitness accounts and video footage reveal the aircraft veered off the runway, caught fire, and ultimately fell into a gorge. The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about aviation safety in Nepal, following several recent air disasters, including a January 2023 crash that killed 72 people. The airport has been closed for emergency operations as authorities investigate the cause of the crash, which occurred during low visibility conditions. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the bodies of the deceased transported to a nearby hospital for autopsy.