According to authorities at the air terminal, the accident occurred shortly after the plane’s takeoff bounded for the city of Pokhara, known as the tourism capital of Nepal.

The aircraft was being transferred to Pokhara for maintenance and the passengers were all staff members of Saurya Airlines, police confirmed.

Fire and security personnel, including police and soldiers, are at the crash site and are still executing operations to control the situation.

Tribhuvan International Airport suspended operations, and other similar facilities halted domestic flights.

The Himalayan Times reported on the diversion of international flights to other terminals.

jrr/arm/oda/lr