A Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Casualties have been reported.

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

Nineteen people, including crew members, were aboard the plane. As per preliminary information, eighteen bodies have been recovered from the crash site.

Captain MR Shakya has been rushed to hospital, said Jha.

Eyewitnesses say that the plane was taking off from the Southern-end of the runway (Koteshwor side) and suddenly flipped with the wing tip hitting the ground. The aircraft caught fire immediately. It then plunged to a gorge on the eastern side of the runway—between Buddha Air hanger and the radar station.

Thick billows of smoke are seen in the airport.

Police and firefighters are carrying out rescue operations at the accident site.

More details to follow.