No fewer than two people have been reportedly killed after a plane crashed during takeoff in Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu.
The incident which happened in the early hours of Wednesday, was disclosed by Saurya Airline officials.
According to BBC report, at least 19 people are believed to have been on the Saurya Airlines flight which was headed to Pokhara, a popular tourism destination.
In viral Videos the plane is seen being enveloped in fire and smoke.
Kathmandu police spokesperson Dinesh Mainali confirmed the deaths to BBC Nepali, adding that the pilot was being treated for injuries.
Airport security chief Arjun Chand Thakuri told news agency Reuters that the plane was carrying two crew members and 17 technicians to Pokhara for maintenance checks.
Nepal has been criticised for its poor air safety record. In January 2023, at least 72 people were killed in a Yeti Airlines crash that was later attributed to its pilots mistakenly cutting the power.
