18 killed after aircraft with 19 on board crashes in Nepal during takeoff, pilot in critical condition

KATHMANDU: 18 people were killed after a plane carrying 19 skidded off the runway and crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu Wednesday morning at 11 am. 19 including crew and technical staff were on board the Pokhara bound Saurya Airlines flight when it caught on fire. The pilot who survived is in a critical condition.

The plane burst into flames. The footage shows the plane engulfed in flames shortly after it skidded off the runway. The pilot who sustained injuries has been taken to the hospital. The airport has been closed. The cause of the fire is not known.

Plane crashes during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Updates to follow. #Kathmandu #PlaneCrash #Nepal pic.twitter.com/XFpMbQwAGR

— Sarkarihelpline.com (@SarkariHelpline) July 24, 2024

The airport is located on top of a plateau surrounded by deep gorges and valleys on all sides. The footage shows the plane engulfed in flames shortly after it skidded off the runway.