Kathmandu, July 24: Eighteen people were killed after a plane crashed during take-off at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, local media reported.  The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when the Pokhara-bound plane of Saurya Airlines crashed shortly after taking off from the runway, TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur said, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Of the 19 on board the plane, 18 bodies have been recovered, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) said. Plane's Captain Manish Shakya was rescued and rushed to hospital, according to the police, The Himalayan Times reported. Nepal Plane Crash: 18 Killed As Saurya Airlines Aircraft Crashes During Takeoff at Kathmandu Airport (Watch Videos).

Videos Show Moments Before Nepal Plane Crash

18 Killed in Nepal Plane Crash

Eyewitnesses said shortly after take-off, the plane plunged to the ground and exploded in a ball of fire. Firefighters, Nepal Police, and Nepali Army are conducting the rescue operation. Details are awaited.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2024 02:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).