Nepal plane crash updates: On Wednesday, July 24, a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed after takeoff at Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, killing at least 18 passengers, according to news agency PTI. Premnath Thakur, TIA spokeswoman, told The Kathmandu Post that nineteen persons, including aircrew, were on board the Pokhara-bound jet when it crashed about 11 a.m.
According to several accounts, the pilot has been rescued and is receiving medical treatment. Emergency personnel, including police and firefighters, are on the site.
The Saurya Airlines flight to Pokhara skidded off the runway and caught fire, throwing a large column of smoke into the sky. The jet was carrying two crew and 17 Saurya Airlines employees on a test flight, according to AFP, citing a Nepali police spokeswoman.