On Wednesday, a tragic plane crash occurred at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Saurya Airlines aircraft, a CRJ 200 model identified as 9N-AME, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in 18 fatalities.
### **Key Details:**
1. **Victims:**
  - **Fatalities:** Eighteen people lost their lives in the crash. Among them were three family members: Manuraj Sharma (flight maintenance staff), his wife Priza Khatiwada (assistant computer operator at the Ministry of Energy), and their four-year-old son Adhiraj Sharma.
  - **Survivor:** The pilot, Manish Shakya, survived and was hospitalized in Sinamangal for treatment. The co-pilot, Sushant Katuwal, was among the deceased.
2. **Crash Details:**
  - **Timing and Location:** The crash occurred shortly after takeoff when the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway.
  - **Fire and Smoke:** The plane caught fire upon impact, with thick black smoke rising from the scene. Firefighters and rescue teams worked to extinguish the blaze and recover the bodies.
3. **Aircraft and Purpose:**
  - **Aircraft Type:** The crashed plane was a CRJ 200, registration 9N-AME.
  - **Flight Purpose:** The flight was en route to Pokhara Regional Airport for routine maintenance. It was scheduled to undergo a month-long maintenance starting Thursday.
4. **Official Statements:**
  - **Saurya Airlines:** The airline confirmed that all passengers were employees, including technical staff traveling for maintenance. The cause of the crash remains unclear.
  - **Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal:** The authority reported that the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, and investigations are ongoing.
Rescue operations were conducted swiftly with local residents and officials aiding in the recovery and transport of victims. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and further details will be provided as they become available.
