Nepal Plane Crash Live Updates: Rescue operations are underway and the airport is closed for the time being.

By India.com News Desk |Edited by Anurag Kumar

Nepal Plane Crash Live Updates: A 72-seater passenger aircraft crashed between the old and new airports in the city, located in western Nepal, on Sunday morning. 53 Nepalis, 5 Indians, 4 Russians, One Irish, 2 Koreans, 1 Argentinian and a French national were on board, the airport authority said. The Yeti airlines aircraft that crashed had 68 passengers and 4 crew members onboard.

“A total of 68 passengers and four crew members were on board the Yeti airlines aircraft that crashed between the old airport and the Pokhara International Airport,” Sudarshan Bartaula, spokesperson of Yeti Airlines was quoted by The Kathmandu Post as saying.

Visual from the crash site. Rescue ops underway

Rescue operations are underway and the airport is closed for the time being. Details awaited.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident of Yeti Airlines ANC ATR 72, which was flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara with passengers. I sincerely appeal to the security personnel, all agencies of the Nepal government and the general public to start an effective rescue,” said Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Twitter.

Nepal has a poor air safety record due to the harsh terrain and usage of smaller aircrafts. One May 29, 2022 a turboprop Twin Otter 9N-AET plane operated by Nepal’s Tara Air went missing 15 min into the flight, losing communication with the ATC.

The plane with 22 onboard, including 19 passengers and 3 crew members was travelling from tourist town of Pokhara, 125 kilometres (80 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu, and was bound for Jomsom, about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Pokhara, a popular tourist and a pilgrimage site. All 22 onboard were declared dead later.

 Zee News