The Nepalese government initiated a formal investigation into the plane crash at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu that claimed 18 lives on Wednesday. The disaster prompted immediate action from authorities, who have established a five-member committee to delve into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to a statement from the Government of Nepal’s spokesperson, as reported by news agency ANI, the investigation committee will be chaired by Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, former Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), with Prithivi Subba Gurung also serving on the panel.
Dan Bahadur Karki, spokesperson for the Nepali police, confirmed that the pilot had survived the crash and was receiving medical treatment. He also reported that the bodies of 18 victims, including one foreign national, had been recovered, with post-mortem procedures underway.
Details of the Crash
The ill-fated flight involved a Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft operated by Saurya Airlines. The plane, carrying 19 people, including two crew members and technical staff, was headed to Pokhara International Airport for routine maintenance. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff at 11:11 AM local time.
Among the victims were Manu Raj Sharma, an airline technician, his wife Priza Khatiwada, and their four-year-old son Adhi Raj Sharma. Initially, Saurya Airlines identified Priza and her son as employees, but later clarified that they were passengers.
Videos circulating on social media showed the aircraft engulfed in flames and smoke, with emergency response teams, including fire engines and ambulances, quickly arriving at the scene.
Authorities disclosed that 15 individuals died instantly, while three others succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital. A Yemeni national, who was part of the airline staff, was also among the deceased.
Government Response and Investigation
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed profound sorrow over the incident and visited the crash site to discuss the potential causes with Civil Aviation Authority officials. He urged the public to remain patient during this period of mourning.
Gyanendra Bhul, a representative of Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority, noted that the flight was undertaken for technical or maintenance purposes but did not elaborate further. Images released by Nepal’s military depicted the charred remains of the aircraft’s fuselage, split apart amidst the wreckage, with soldiers in camouflage standing by and the area covered in fire retardant.
The newly formed investigation committee faces the critical task of determining the factors that led to this tragic accident.
