Kathmandu, Nepal - July 24, 2024 - A Saurya Airlines plane heading to Pokhara crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu earlier today. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has confirmed 18 fatalities, with only one survivor rescued from the wreckage.

A CRJ-200 plane skidded off the runway around 11:00 AM and erupted in flames. Witnesses reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the aircraft. Rescue efforts are currently underway, with police and firefighters at the scene.

The sole survivor, Captain MR Shakya, is receiving medical treatment at Kathmandu Medical College Hospital, Sinamangal. The bodies of five passengers have also been recovered.

This tragedy underscores ongoing safety concerns within Nepal's aviation industry. The region's hilly terrain and unpredictable weather conditions contribute to a higher-than-average accident rate. Disturbingly, reports indicate the crashed aircraft was due for scheduled maintenance.

This incident comes on the heels of another major air disaster in Nepal last year, where 68 lives were lost. Investigations into the cause of the Saurya Airlines crash are ongoing, with further updates expected.