By Annabelle Liang
Rescuers work at the site after a Saurya Airlines’ plane crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on 24 July, 2024.
Photo: AFP
At least 18 people were killed after a plane crashed and caught fire while it was taking off from Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu on Wednesday.
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.
Videos posted online showed the plane being enveloped in fire and smoke. Fire engines and ambulances were rushed to the spot after the incident.
The incident happened at around 11.15am local time (5.30am GMT).
Nepali police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki confirmed the deaths to BBC Nepali.
An airport official said “some cracking noises were heard” from the plane.
Nepal has been criticised for its poor air safety record. In January 2023, at least 72 people were killed in a Yeti Airlines crash that was later attributed to its pilots mistakenly cutting the power.
Saruya Airlines operates flights to five destinations within Nepal, with a fleet of three Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, according to the company’s website.
– BBC