New Delhi — At least 18 people on board were killed in the Nepal plane crash on Wednesday. The plane crashed shortly after taking off from Kathmandu. The pilot, the lone survivor of the Nepal plane crash, was treated for serious injuries at a local hospital. #NepalPlaneCrash
A fire broke out on the aircraft shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. The plane quickly crashed near one of the runways. The country’s civil aviation authority reported the incident occurred around 11:15 local time.
The statement noted that the plane crashed on the east side of the runway. It also mentioned that the fire engulfing the aircraft was brought under control, and rescue work started immediately.
Videos posted online showed the plane diving into the ground at a sharp angle. Its left wing pointed almost straight up before crashing and catching fire. Dozens of rescuers, fire engines, and ambulances arrived at the crash site, according to the footage.
According to authorities, rescuers found 18 bodies at the crash site. All of the victims were Nepali nationals apart from one Yemeni.
The plane belonged to Nepal’s Saurya Airlines, which operates domestic flights between the country’s five primary airports. #NepalPlaneCrash
Of the 19 people on the flight, 16 were airline technical staff, two were crew members, and one was the surviving pilot. Nepali police posted a photo of the pilot being helped from the wreckage on social media. He appeared visibly injured but was conscious.
The plane was headed for Pokhara, a popular tourist spot in the Himalayas known for its mountainous terrain and Mount Everest.