Horror as plane explodes into flames after skidding off runway at airport (original) (raw)
Nepal plane crash: Saurya Airlines jet crashes at Tribhuvan Airport killing 18
Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed after skidding off the runway during take off at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The airport has confirmed that 19 passengers were aboard the flight
Saurya Airlines plane crashes at Nepal's Tribhuvan Airport after skidding off runway
A plane has crashed at an airport in Nepal after skidding off the runway resulting in terrifying scenes, leaving at least 18 dead.
The Saurya Airlines aircraft carrying 19 passengers skidded off the runway during take off at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The airport has confirmed the incident at around 11am local time on Wednesday morning.
At least 18 passengers died in the crash, with all bodies being recovered from the wreckage, police say. It's understood the pilot survived and is being treated for injuries.
The plane belongs to the domestic Saurya airline and was heading from Kathmandu to the resort town of Pokhara, Nepal Television said. The reason for the plane skidding is not currently clear, while the figure of casualties has yet to be confirmed.
Himalayan Times reports that the 19 on board were technical staff with no commercial passengers. the pilot meanwhile has been taken to hospital, security officials at the airport have said.
READ MORE: Family of five, including two children, killed in New York small plane crash, authorities confirm
READ MORE: Three people killed in plane crash after failed emergency landing in Ohio
Did you see what happened? Get in touch at webnews@mirror.co.uk
The pilot has injuries to the eyes but is not in any danger, said a doctor at the hospital who was not authorized to speak to media. The bodies have been taken to the T.U. Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for autopsy.
Tribhuvan International Airport has been closed and emergency crew were working at the scene. Dramatic video shows thick black smoke billowing from the airport's runway and plane wreckage scattered all over a ditch as members of the public flood a nearby road, watching in horror.
Another shot shows flames burning by an outbuilding at the airport, which serves Nepal's capital. The fire has since been brought under control, Associated Press reports.
It is monsoon rainy season in Kathmandu but was not raining at the time of the crash. Visibility was low across the capital, however.
Saurya Airlines operates the Bombardier CRJ 200 on domestic routes.