Passenger plane crashes during takeoff in Nepal
A passenger plane carrying 19 people has crashed during takeoff from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, The Independent reported.
The flight operated by Saurya Airlines involved a small aircraft bound for Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city and a major tourist gateway for trekking and adventure sports.
The aircraft crashed at around 11am local time on Wednesday, according to The Kathmandu Post.
Premnath Thakur, spokesperson for Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, said the 19 people on board the plane included crew members.
Police and rescue teams are currently at the site, where initial pictures shared on social media showed a large fire.
Local media are reporting that five bodies have been recovered from the crash site, though this has yet to be confirmed by officials.