Plane crashes while takeoff at Kathmandu airport; 18 killed

A passenger plane crashed and caught fire shortly after departing from Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, resulting in the deaths of 18 people, Al Jazeera reported quoting aviation officials.

The pilot, the sole survivor, is receiving hospital treatment, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal stated.

The crash involved a test flight by domestic carrier Saurya Airlines, carrying 19 people, including technical staff and two crew members. The 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 took off at 11:11 am (05:26 GMT) and crashed into the eastern part of the airport shortly after takeoff, as it was heading to Pokhara. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

A doctor from Kathmandu Medical College Hospital reported to The Associated Press that the pilot sustained eye injuries but is not in critical condition.

The aviation authority confirmed that 18 Nepalis, including one child, and a Yemeni national were on board. The bodies have been taken to TU Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for autopsy.