'Pained By The Tragedy': PM Modi, Other Leaders Grieve Nepal Plane Crash Victims

With Nepal experiencing yet another devastating plane crash, condolences from all around the world came in for the loss of lives. The plane that crashed on Sunday carried more than 70 people.

Rescuers carry the body of a victim who died in a plane crash in Pokhara

Source : AFP

Condolences for the loss of lives poured in massive numbers from all around the world as Nepal experienced yet another tragic plane crash. Near Nepal's Pokhara International Airport, a passenger plane carrying 72 people—68 passengers and four crew members—crashed. Initial reports indicated that five Indians were among the international passengers on the aircraft. Shortly after, visuals from the scene of the crash appeared on social media, showing plumes of smoke rising from the plane as a massive group gathered around rescue workers.

Nepal has declared tomorrow a national day of mourning in the wake of the plane crash at Pokhara airport.

Over the years, Nepal has witnessed numerous tragic crashes. Last year, a Tara Airline plane crashed, killing all 22 passengers on board, including four Indians.

The Indian Embassy in Nepal has issued helpline numbers and provided information regarding the crash and Indian nationals onboard. A Yeti Airlines official recognised five Indians as Abhisekh Kushwaha, Bishal Sharma, Anil Kumar Rajbhar, Sonu Jaiswal, and Sanjaya Jaiswal, as per news agency PTI. Their current status, however, is unknown.

An ATR-72 plane of Yeti Airlines crashed today near the Pokhara Airport while flying from Kathmandu. According to the info provided by Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, 5 Indians were travelling on this flight. Rescue operations are underway. pic.twitter.com/rkLC3QbStn

— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) January 15, 2023

PM Modi, Union Aviation Minister, And Other Leaders Express Grief:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is "pained by the tragic air crash in Nepal". He further extended his thoughts, and prayers to the bereaved families. 

Pained by the tragic air crash in Nepal in which precious lives have been lost, including Indian nationals. In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. @cmprachanda @PM_nepal_

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2023

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed his condolences on Twitter. "The loss of lives in a tragic plane crash in Nepal is extremely unfortunate. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the bereaved. Om Shanti (sic)," Scindia tweeted.

The loss of lives in a tragic plane crash in Nepal is extremely unfortunate. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the bereaved. Om Shanti.

— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) January 15, 2023

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal took to Twitter to express his grief. “I am deeply saddened by the sad and tragic accident of Yeti Airlines ANC ATR 72 which was flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara with passengers. I sincerely appeal to the security personnel, all agencies of the Nepal government and the general public to start an effective rescue," he tweeted. 

काठमाडौंबाट यात्रु लिएर पोखराका लागि उडेको यती एयरलाइन्सको एएनसी एटीआर ७२ जहाजको दुखद र त्रासदीपूर्ण दुर्घटनाप्रति गहिरो दुख व्यक्त गर्दछु। प्रभावकारी उद्दारमा लाग्न सुरक्षाकर्मी, नेपाल सरकार सम्पूर्ण निकाय र आम जनसमुदायमा हार्दिक अपील गर्दछु।

— ☭ Comrade Prachanda (@cmprachanda) January 15, 2023

“Deeply saddened by crash of a plane carrying 72 passengers and crew members, including some Indians in Pokhara. We express our heartfelt condolences to families of deceased. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy,” Ambassador of Nepal to India was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Deeply saddened by crash of a plane carrying 72 pax & crew members, incl some Indians in Pokhara. We express our heartfelt condolences to families of deceased. Our thoughts & prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy: Ambassador of Nepal to India

(Pic: Amb's Twitter) pic.twitter.com/I2LgYPwN6c

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2023

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic Yeti Airlines crash in Pokhara this morning. We are monitoring the situation carefully. We are currently not aware of any U.S. citizens on board. Our hearts go out to the victims and families," tweeted US Embassy in Nepal.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic Yeti Airlines crash in Pokhara this morning. We are monitoring the situation carefully. We are currently not aware of any U.S. citizens on board. Our hearts go out to the victims and families.

— U.S. Embassy Nepal (@USEmbassyNepal) January 15, 2023

Sukhbir Singh Badal of the Akali Dal was among those who condoled the deaths in India. "Pained to learn about the tragic plane crash in Pokhara in Nepal & the death of all passengers, including 4 Indian nationals. My deepest condolences to the families of passengers and the plane crew." 

Pained to learn about the tragic plane crash in Pokhara in Nepal & the death of all passengers, including 4 Indian nationals. My deepest condolences to the families of passengers and the plane crew. pic.twitter.com/7zTtWU4LmN

— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 15, 2023