A HORROR plane crash left at least 18 passengers dead after it burst into flames after skidding off a runway in Nepal.
The passenger jet reportedly crashed towards the ground moments later take off while harrowing images show the burnt wreckage of the plane.
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Chilling footage shows the burning remains of the small plane at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), while thick clouds of smoke are seen billowing across the sky. sky.
The Saurya Airline jet was heading from Kathmandu to the resort city of Pokhara when it crashed on Wednesday morning, says Nepal Television.
Shocked witnesses say the plane suddenly flipped in the air as the wing collided with the ground – catching fire instantly.
Moments later, it was seen spiraling toward a ravine on the east side of the runway.
Bystanders were seen crossing a field where the plane was left to help military personnel, rescue workers and firefighters find survivors.
Tragically, 18 people were presumed dead and only one other miraculously survived the deadly fall, authorities say.
Most of the 19 people on board were airline employees, they added.
One of the survivors, Captain MR Shakya, was rushed to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital, said TIA spokesperson Subash Jha.
He injured his eye in the accident, but his injuries are not life-threatening.
Investigations into what caused the plane to skid off the runway are ongoing.
Initial reports point to the flight undergoing a runway excursion in take offJha announced.
The airport was closed as emergency services and the Nepalese military helped evacuate the plane after the flames were put out.
Saurya Airlines normally uses the Bombardier CRJ 200 on all domestic routes.
This comes at a time when the European Union has banned all Nepalese carriers from flying over its airspace due to recent safety concerns.
The country suffers from a poor safety record due to a lack of pilot training and reduced maintenance.
The weather and rocky terrain can also wreak havoc on even the most experienced riders.
At least 12 fatal jet crashes have been recorded in the Himalayan region since 2010.
Nepal’s biggest accident in recent years occurred in January 2023, when 69 passengers and crew died in a horrific accident.
Yeti Airlines service crashed upon landing in Pokhara with distressing video showing passengers on board moments before the crash.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
