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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
"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.