Fiery plane crash in Nepal kills all passengers, pilot survives [VIDEOS]

A devastating plane crash in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, the lives of 18 passengers were claimed on Wednesday.

The sole survivor, the plane's pilot, is currently being treated for serious injuries at a local hospital, according to national aviation officials.

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The plane, operated by Nepal's Saurya Airlines, took off from Tribhuvan International Airport at approximately 11:15 a.m. local time (12:30 p.m. Eastern). Shortly after takeoff, a fire broke out on board, causing the plane to crash near the east side of the runway. The country's civil aviation authority confirmed the schedule and details in a statement.

CCTV video of the Saurya Airlines CRJ-200 taking off shows the aircraft descending in a low right attitude until it hit the ground and burst into flames.pic.twitter.com/5ntlZasF3d

— Aviation Safety Network (ASN) (@AviationSafety) July 24, 2024

Dramatic footage posted online captured the plane's final moments, showing it descending sharply with its left wing almost vertical before crashing and bursting into flames. Emergency services, including dozens of first responders, firefighters and ambulances, quickly arrived at the scene.

NEW 🚨 A plane crashes in Nepal with 18 dead, the only survivor of the pilot https://t.co/myTydJ5NBp pic.twitter.com/W6cZ4EUdqO

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) July 24, 2024

Authorities reported that rescuers recovered 18 bodies from the crash site. The casualties included 16 Saurya Airlines technical staff, two crew members and a Yemeni national. The pilot miraculously survived the crash but is in serious condition.

The flight was headed to Pokhara, a well-known tourist destination in Nepal, famous for its stunning views of the Himalayas and proximity to iconic peaks such as Mount Everest.