Nepal plane crash: 64 bodies recovered; one-day national mourning tomorrow, 5-member team to probe crash

Nepal plane crash: A passenger aircraft with 68 passengers including four crew members crashed just moments before landing in Nepal's Pokhara. The aircraft crashed between the old airport and the Pokhara International Airport. The airport authority said 53 passengers were from Nepal, 5 from India, 4 from Russia, one from Ireland, 2 from Korea, 1 from Argentina, and one from France were on board. 

So far, 64 bodies have been recovered and five Indians are feared dead in the tragedy. After the crash, the plane burst into flames. The tragic accident happened in Pokhara, which is surrounded by high mountains and here the weather takes a turn in a very short time. Here, due to the high mountain, cloud comes all of sudden reducing visibility.         

Latest Updates 

-  Nepal has declared a one-day national mourning tomorrow (Monday).  Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane's visit to Pokhara has been cancelled, Nepal Secretariat said. 

- The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued helpline numbers (Kathmandu-Diwakar Sharma:+977-9851107021) and (Pokhara: Lt Col Shashank Tripathi: +977-9856037699). The embassy is in touch with local authorities and is monitoring the situation.

 

- Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has reached Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu after the accident of the Yeti Airlines ANC ATR 72 plane carrying passengers from Kathmandu to Pokhara. 

- The plane crashed barely 10 seconds before landing. Experts say the accident may have happened due to sudden power loss. Initial reports say the crash was due to a technical snag.  

- Nepal Prime Minister Prachand Dahal has called for an emergency cabinet meeting following the plane crash. 

Pokhara is about 200 km from the capital city of Kathmandu. As per videos and footage, the plane can be seen in fire after the crash. 

According to reports, the plane took off from Kathmandu and crashed while landing. Reports suggest that 10 foreigners were on board.  

First respondents reached the spot and locals were also seen trying to pull out as many passengers as they can. Personnel from the army and police have reached and efforts are being made to douse the fire.

The Pokhara airport, built with Chinese assistance, was inaugurated just 15 days ago. Pokhara is a tourist hub in Nepal.   

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' inaugurated the regional international airport in Pokhara. 

Initial reports suggest that the weather was not favorable for landing. 

Aviation expert Surjeet Panesar said that in Nepal Valley, weather changes very fast and this Pokhara airport is very critical.  He said that pilots should be very careful while landing there in Pokhara. He said a probe will reveal the exact cause of the crash.