Nepal plane crash: Aircraft goes up in flames during take-off in Kathmandu, killing 18; pilot only survivor

At least 18 people were killed after a plane crashed while taking off at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu on Wednesday, officials said.

The pilot of the ill-fated plane is the only survivor in the tragedy. He is now at a hospital.

According to Nepal Civil Aviation Authority, 18 out of 19 people onboard, including the flight crew, died.

The Saurya Airlines plane, which was enroute to Pokhara, burst into flames on the runway during the takeoff at around 11 am.

A statement issued by Nepal Civil Aviation Authority said: “The plane turned right and crashed on the east side of the runway. The fire was reportedly under control and the rescue work was started immediately.”

The 50-seater plane, which failed to gain an altitude, fell down on an embankment and caught fire.
An airport official told BBC that “some cracking noises were heard” from the plane.

Firefighters and the Army are on the site.

Last year, a Yeti Airlines aircraft crashed on Pokhara, claiming the lives of 72 people as the Himalayan nation earned the dubious distinction of having one of the worst air safety records.