Video: Plane Crash in Nepal, 18 Dead, Only Pilot Survives

A Saurya Air aircraft has crashed at Kathmandu’s airport, carrying 19 people onboard. Preliminary reports indicate that 18 bodies have been found at the crash site, according to the Kathmandu Post.

The plane was on a test flight and included 17 technical staff members and two crew members from Saurya Airlines. The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft exited the runway at 11:00 AM local time. It was scheduled to fly to Pokhara.

Footage shared online shows the plane engulfed in flames and smoke. Emergency services promptly dispatched fire and ambulance vehicles to the scene.

Rescue teams managed to pull the 37-year-old captain from the wreckage, and he has been taken to the hospital. Police representative Dan Bahadur Karki stated that the pilot is receiving treatment for his injuries.

According to the company's website, Saurya Airlines operates flights on five routes in Nepal, utilizing a fleet of three Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft. Nepal has frequently faced criticism for its low standards of flight safety.