Kathmandu: 18 people were killed as Saurya Airlines plane (CRJ200, Registration 9N-AME) crashed at around 11:11 NST during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). At least 19 people, including aircrew, were onboard.

The pilot of the plane survived the crash and was taken to hospital, officials said. The crash took place when the aircraft veered off the runway and burst into flames.

"Shortly after takeoff from runway 02, the aircraft veered off to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway. Rescue operations were initiated immediately. The fire was brought under control, one injured person (Captain Manish Ratna Shakya) was rescued and taken to the hospital, and 18 People were found dead" stated TIA through a press release.

Footage from the spot showed dramatic scenes of the plane speeding down the runway before a fire broke out with high flames and thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage.

The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported that 18 bodies have been recovered from the crash site. Airport authorities have revealed their names and nationality:
1. Amit Man Maharjan (Nepali)
2. Sagar Acharya (Nepali)
3. Dilip Verma (Nepali)
4. Manu Raj Sharma (Nepali) 5. Ashwin Niraula (Nepali) 6. Sudip Lal Joshi (Nepali) 7. Sarbesh Marasain (Nepali) 8. Shyam Bindukar (Nepali) 9. Nava Raj Ale (Nepali) 10. Raja Ram Acharya (Nepali) 11. Priza Khatiwada (Nepali)
12. Adhiraj Sharma (Child, Nepali) 13. Uddhab Puri (Nepali) 14. Yagya Pd Poudyal (Nepali) 15. Santosh Mahato (Nepali)
16. Punya Ratna Saahi (Nepali)
17. Aref Reda (Yemeni)
18. Co-pilot Sushant Katuwal

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“The accident occurred after the Pokhara-bound flight suffered a runway excursion during takeoff,” said TIA Spokesperson Subash Jha.

The Himalayan Times newspaper reported that the plane was only carrying technical staff of the airline.”There were no passengers on board but the plane was carrying few technical staff,” Gyanendra Bhul, information officer at the TIA, said.

Captain MR Shakya was only rescued from the crash site. He has been admitted to the KMC Hospital in Sinamangal for treatment, Nepal Police said.

Authorities have shut down the TIA following the plane crash, the MyRepublica news portal reported. Dozens of international and domestic flights have been affected due to the airport closure.