A tragic incident and a viral video
In the serene landscape of central Nepal, an air of tragedy descended as news of a devastating plane crash broke out. On a sunny afternoon in January 2023, a Yeti Airlines flight from the country’s capital, Kathmandu, crashed while landing near Pokhara airport. The incident claimed the lives of at least 68 people, leaving the country and the global community in a state of shock and grief.
As the world struggled to recover from this horrific incident, a remarkable and heartbreaking story emerged from the depths of social media. A TikTok video, allegedly posted by one of the cabin crew members who died in the accident, began circulating online. This video, full of youthful enthusiasm and joy typical of the platform, was a stark contrast to the tragic fate of its creator, Oshin Magar.
In this article, we’ll highlight Oshin Magar’s story, the viral TikTok video, and the aftermath of the Nepal plane crash, exploring the impact of social media in remembering and paying tribute to those whose lives were cut short suddenly.
Oshin Magar: The face of viral TikTok
Oshin Magar, a young Nepali woman, was one of the four cabin crew members on board the fatal Yeti Airlines flight. Her presence on the flight was confirmed by India Today, which brought her into the spotlight and revealed her TikTok account.
The TikTok account with the handle @oshin_magar already has 11,000 followers at the time of writing, and the number is growing as people pay their respects. The account features videos of Magar doing his work, often filmed inside plane cabins, showcasing his vibrant personality and love for his work.
One particular video, posted on September 11, 2022, has become the focal point of tribute tweets pouring in on Twitter. In the clip, Magar, dressed in the signature uniform of Yeti Airlines cabin crew, is seen smiling and waving at the camera, exuding warmth and positivity. It is the very essence of his existence that has captured the hearts of thousands, if not millions, of people across the globe.
Tributes go viral on Twitter
As news of the plane crash spread, Twitter became a platform for tributes and condolences. Users scoured the internet for information about those killed and discovered Magar’s TikTok account during this search.
Neeraj Kumar, a journalist for Indian news outlet News18, was one of the first to share Magar’s TikTok video on Twitter. On January 15, 2023, he posted the clip with the heartwarming caption: “Live life to the fullest while you’re alive because death is unpredictable! Just sharing the TikTok video of air hostess Oshin Magar who lost her life in the #NepalPlaneCrash today.”
Kumar’s tweet struck a chord with people around the world and was viewed over 246,000 times. The comments section became a digital memorial, filled with messages of condolence and hopes for Magar’s peaceful rest. “Rest in peace, beautiful soul,” one user wrote, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
Another user who shared the clip on January 17, 2023, reiterated the sentiment in the caption, “Life is uncertain,” stating the unpredictable nature of life and death. This tweet was viewed over 10,000 times, further spreading Magar’s story and the impact of the plane crash.
An outpouring of grief and support on TikTok
While Twitter became a platform for sharing and spreading Magar’s story, TikTok, the same platform where he posted his videos, became a digital memorial in itself. Thousands of users flocked to his account, leaving comments filled with grief, support, and fond memories.
One user commented on a video posted in December 2022, writing, “RIP Sister. We will never forget you.” This particular video, possibly one of Magar’s last, has an astonishing 1.5 million views, a testament to the impact of her life and the tragedy of her death.
Another comment left on Magar’s most recent video, posted on January 9, 2023, simply said, “Yesterday was lived and now is a memory. So sad.” These few words express the bittersweet nature of life and the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew and loved her, as well as strangers touched by her story.
Devastating details of the plane crash
As tributes were paid to Magar and the other victims, details about the plane crash emerged. The ATR 72 aircraft operated by Yeti Airlines was carrying 72 passengers and crew members when it crashed into a hill near Pokhara airport.
According to Reuters, hundreds of rescue workers were deployed to the crash site to examine the wreckage and assist victims. Weather conditions on the day of the accident were reported to be favorable, leaving investigators puzzled about the cause of the crash.
The confirmed dead included notable celebrities, including Nira Chhanyal, a beloved Nepali folk singer who was on her way to perform at an event in Pokhara, and Elena Banduro, a Russian travel blogger whose last social media post reflected her excitement about visiting Nepal.
Influence of viral videos and social media
After the accident, social media played a vital role in spreading awareness and sharing personal stories. Viral videos and clips related to the accident circulated online, providing a glimpse into the final moments of the victims and the impact of the tragedy.
One such example was a Facebook livestream from Sonu Jaiswal, an Indian passenger on the flight. Just moments before the crash, Jaiswal was broadcasting his experience on the plane, providing a horrifying personal account of the events leading up to the disaster.
Additionally, a video posted to Twitter by @aeroanderer shows the plane spinning just before it hits the ground. This particular clip has been viewed 2.9 million times, highlighting the intense public interest in the story and the impact of visual media in conveying the tragedy.
History of Air Accidents in Nepal
Unfortunately, air crashes have been a recurring tragedy in Nepal. According to Reuters, 273 people have lost their lives in air accidents in the country since 2000, excluding casualties in the most recent crash.
The European Union banned Nepalese airlines from its airspace in 2013 due to safety concerns. The decision highlights the wider issues surrounding air travel in Nepal and the need for improved safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
The road to recovery and preventing future tragedies
In the wake of an accident, the focus shifts to remediation and preventing similar incidents from recurring. Investigating the cause of the accident is extremely important, as it will help identify any potential safety lapses and hold responsible parties accountable.
The impact of social media in the aftermath of the tragedy cannot be underestimated. It has played a vital role in spreading awareness, sharing personal stories and providing a platform for people to connect and grieve together. It has also highlighted the power of user-generated content in shaping public discussion and remembering those who have passed away.
As Nepal and the global community mourn the lives lost in the Yeti Airlines crash, Oshin Magar’s story and her viral TikTok video are a reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting impact it can have on others. It’s a testament to the power of social media in preserving memories and paying tribute to those whose lives were cut short, ensuring they are never forgotten.
Conclusion: Remembering the victims and looking forward
The 2023 Nepal plane crash is a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the country and the world. Oshin Magar’s story and her viral TikTok video are a poignant reminder of the human cost of such disasters and the power of social media in remembering those we lose.
As we reflect on the lives lost, including those of Magar, Chhanyal, Banduro and many others on board the flight, it is important to turn our grief into action. It is imperative that we learn from this tragedy, work towards improving air travel safety and try to prevent such incidents in the future.
The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but it is through the support and unity demonstrated in the aftermath of this tragedy that we find hope. It is our collective responsibility to honour the memory of those we have lost by creating a safer and more resilient future for generations to come.
Rest in peace Oshin Magar and all the victims of the Nepal plane crash. Your lives and stories will always be etched in our memories.
final remarks:
This article traces the viral TikTok story of Oshin Magar, one of the victims of the Nepal plane crash in January 2023. It highlights the impact of social media in paying tribute to those who died and spreading awareness about the tragedy. As we conclude, let us continue to remember and honor the victims, using their stories as a catalyst for positive change and a safer tomorrow.
