Nepal plane crash: 18 dead as Saurya Airlines plane crashes during takeoff in Kathmandu
Nepal was hit with a mishap when a plane crashed during take-off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu earlier today.
According to local media, the Saurya Airlines aircraft, carrying 19 passengers, was en route to Pokhara when it crashed during take-off. Of the 19 people, 18 bodies were recovered while the pilot survived.
The sole survivor of the crash was the pilot, who was transported to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital for treatment. According to a doctor cited by AP, the pilot sustained injuries to the eyes but is not in any danger.
Visuals show the plane was engulfed in fire on the side of the airport runway. Firefighters have doused the blaze while rescue teams were looking for survivors.
Only technical staff of the airline was on board during the take-off, The Himalayan Times reported, quoting Gyanendra Bhul, Information officer at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
The Kathmandu Post quoted witnesses as saying that the plane tried to take-off from the southern end of the runway. However, it suddenly stopped to a side and the wing tip hit the ground resulting in the plane catching fire and crashing. It then plunged into a gorge on the eastern side of the runway.
Tribhuvan International Airport is a tabletop airport situated atop a plateau, encircled by deep gorges and valleys on all sides.
Reports say that there were 19 people on board the plane. Further information on the crash is awaited.
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