Plane crashes during takeoff at Kathmandu airport, 18 out of 19 bodies recovered

A Saurya Airlines plane crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday. There were 19 people on board the plane, including the crew. According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, 18 bodies have been recovered from the crash site.

A TIA spokesperson said the accident occurred when the Pokhara-bound plane veered off the runway during takeoff. He said Captain MR Shakya has been rushed to a hospital.

Viral pictures of the accident on social media show thick smoke at the airport. According to reports, police and firefighters are carrying out rescue operations at the accident site. 

Eyewitnesses tell what happened?
Eyewitnesses say that the plane was taking off from the southern end of the runway (towards Koteshwar) and suddenly started descending and the tip of the wing hit the ground. The plane immediately caught fire. After this, it fell into the ditch between the Budha Air Hangar and the radar station on the eastern side of the runway.