Image courtesy by India TV

King Charles III has expressed his condolences to the President of Nepal after the devastating plane crash in Pokhara, Nepal.

The Yeti Airlines Flight 691 was an ATR 72 aircraft which crashed into a steep river gorge while attempting to land on 15 January, 2023. All 72 people on board were confirmed dead with the incident being Nepal’s worst air disaster in 30 years.

King Charles wrote in a message to President Bidhya Devi Bhandari: “Dear Madam President, My wife and I were truly shocked to learn of the utterly tragic loss of life following the plane crash in Pokhara on Sunday and wanted you to know that our special thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of Nepal at this time of immeasurable sorrow.”

“We have been deeply saddened by this heart-breaking incident and, however inadequate it may be, we particularly wanted to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to all the bereaved families and to those who have lost their loved ones.”

“I remember with the greatest fondness my visits to Nepal and the many remarkable Nepalis I have met both there and around the world. And I know that Nepal is held in the highest regard by many people in the United Kingdom who stand in solidarity with your country at such a time of national mourning. Please be assured that you have our most resolute support.”

Reports have stated that the crash could be a result of the failure of the pilots to fully deploy the wing flaps of the aircraft while attempting to land, leading to an aerodynamic stall.

This tragedy has once again brought the poor condition of Nepal’s aviation industry to the forefront, with discussions about poor safety standards and lack of quality training and maintenance being prevalent within the government as well as the media. The country’s deadliest accident took place in 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines flight crashed while approaching Kathmandu. The plane was carrying 172 people, all of whom died.