At least 18 people were killed after a passenger plane crashed moments after taking off in Kathmandu on Wednesday, as bystander videos captured the incident, which once again puts a spotlight on the poor aviation safety standards of domestic carriers in the country.
The Saurya Airlines regional jet crashed just moments after takeoff.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, emergency responders recovered the bodies of 18 people and rescued one injured person—who the Associated Press report identified as the pilot and sole survivor.
The agency said the crash occurred around 11:11 a.m. local time and involved a CRJ7 regional jet operated by domestic carrier Saurya Airlines flying from the Nepalese capital to the city of Pokhara—a popular tourist destination.
The notice said the plane turned to the right during take-off and crashed to the east of the runway, without without any further details.
Although a cause has not yet been determined, the AP report suggested the plane slipped off the runway during takeoff.
Citing eyewitness accounts, the Kathmandu Post reported the plane flipped while taking off and one of its wingtips hit the ground, causing the plane to catch fire and plunge into a nearby gorge.
Footage of the crash purportedly captured from the airport terminal shows the plane flying just a few feet from the ground while tilted on its right side, before crashing and causing a ball of flames.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
A black smoke rises from crash site at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal.
A large plume of smoke rising from the crash site was visible from a distance.
Nepal army personnel cordon off a plane crash site.
The plane crashed into a gorge on the side of the runway at the airport in Kathmandu.
The plane had 19 people on board including crew and passengers and 18 of them were killed in the ... [+]
First responders were able to rescue the sole survivor of the crash, who is believed to be the ... [+]