Plane crashes during takeoff at Kathmandu airport; 18 casualties
A plane crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday. There were 19 people on board, including the crew. According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, 18 bodies have been recovered from the crash site.
A TIA spokesperson said that the accident occurred when the Pokhara-bound plane left the runway during takeoff. He said that Captain MR Shakya has been taken to the hospital.
Viral pictures of the accident on social media show thick smoke at the airport. According to the report, police and firefighters are conducting rescue operations at the accident site.
Eyewitnesses said that the plane was taking off from the southern end of the runway (towards Koteshwar) and suddenly started descending and the tip of the wing hit the ground. The plane immediately caught fire. After this it fell into the gap between the Budh Air Hangar and the radar station on the eastern side of the runway.
