The aircraft, a CRJ7 with registration number 9NAME, was en route from Kathmandu to Pokhara with 19 people on board, including crew members. According to airport authorities, the plane veered to the right during takeoff and crashed on the eastern side of the runway.
“CRJ7 (Reg-9NAME) of Sourya Airlines took off from Kathmandu at 11:11 am local time during the flight to Pokhara, turned right and crashed at a place on the east side of the runway. It is reported that the fire was brought under control and the rescue work was started immediately. The dead bodies of 18 people were recovered and 1 injured person was rescued and taken to the hospital,” said a spokesperson from Tribhuvan International Airport.
Emergency response teams, including police and firefighters, swiftly responded to the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance.
The rescuers recovered the bodies of 18 deceased individuals and rescued one injured person, who was transported to the hospital. Local media identified the injured person as Captain M R Shakya.
While investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, initial reports suggest a possible runway excursion during takeoff.