Nepal Plane Crash: 18 Killed as Aircraft Crashes During Takeoff, Catches Fire

At least 18 people were killed after a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal on Wednesday. The incident occurred as the aircraft, bound for Pokhara, failed to gain altitude, skidded off the runway, and plummeted down an embankment before catching fire around 11 am local time.

Videos that surfaced from the scene showed a massive blaze and thick smoke rising near the airport premises, prompting swift responses from firefighters and Nepal Army personnel who rushed to the crash site. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation by authorities.

Tribhuvan International Airport is recognized as one of the world's most challenging airports due to its geographical location and inherent risks. Over the past decade, Nepal has witnessed multiple fatal aviation incidents, averaging approximately one per year, including a notable crash involving a Yeti Airlines flight near Pokhara in January 2023, which claimed the lives of 72 individuals.​