18 killed in Nepal plane crash; pilot only survivor
KATHMANDU, July 24, 2024
At least 18 people were killed after a Saruya Airlines plane crashed and caught fire while taking off from Nepal's capital of Kathmandu on Wednesday, reported BBC.
The pilot, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital, is the only survivor of the fatal accident.
Some 19 people were on the Saurya Airlines test flight, including technical staff members of the airline and two crew members. The plane was headed to Pokhara, a popular tourism destination, stated the report.
Videos posted online showed the plane being enveloped in fire and smoke. Fire engines and ambulances were rushed to the spot after the incident, it stated.
The incident happened at around 11:15 local time (05:30 GMT), a few minutes after the plane took off from the Tribhuvan International Airport, reported BBC, citing the Nepal civil aviation authorities.
The plane "turned right and crashed on the east side of the runway," stated the report.
The fire on the plane has been brought under control and the rescue work started immediately, it added.
Saruya Airlines operates flights to five destinations within Nepal, with a fleet of three Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, according to the company’s website.
