THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Kathmandu, July 24: 18 of the 19 people on board were killed when a Pokhara-bound plane from a private airline crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Nepal’s Kathmandu.
Officials said the Saurya Airlines plane burst into flames after veering off the runway during takeoff.
The pilot survived the crash and was taken to the hospital.
Footage from the scene showed the plane speeding down the runway before catching fire, with large flames and thick black smoke rising from the wreckage.
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Sources reported that the private Saurya Airlines plane involved in the accident around 11 a.m. had at least 19 people on board, including the aircrew.
According to the Kathmandu Post newspaper, 18 bodies have been recovered from the crash site.
The Himalayan Times newspaper reported that the plane was carrying only the airline’s technical staff. According to PTI, Gyanendra Bhul, information officer at TIA, said that while there were no passengers on board, the plane was carrying a few technical staff.