'We haven't rescued anyone alive': Nepal army after plane crash in Pokhara

The Yeti Airlines plane that crashed at Pokhara International Airport in Nepal has 72 people aboard, including foreign nationals from India, Argentina, Korea, and other countries.

Image Source- Twitter

The Nepal Army reported on Monday that no survivors of Sunday's plane crash in the tourist destination of Pokhara had been found. According to Krishna Prasad Bhandari, the spokesperson for the Nepal Army, " We haven`t rescued anyone alive from the crash site." While making a landing at the recently opened airfield in Pokhara, Nepal, a Yeti Airlines passenger plane crashed into a river gorge. On board, 72 individuals, including five Indians, are thought to be dead. With dawn, the search and rescue effort is expected to get back up. 

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has called an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers following Sunday`s aircraft crash in Pokhara. Dahal has directed the country`s home ministry, security personnel, and all government agencies to carry out immediate rescue and relief operations.

A twin-engine turboprop ATR 72 plane crashed en route from the Nepali capital of Kathmandu to Pokhara. The Nepalese authorities have tasked a special commission with investigating the causes of the crash. A report is expected in 45 days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and prayed for the bereaved families of the Nepal plane crash."Pained by the tragic air crash in Nepal in which, precious lives have been lost, including Indian nationals. In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families," PM Modi tweeted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed grief over the incident and extended his condolences to the victims. "Deeply grieved on hearing about the air crash in Pokhara, Nepal. Our thoughts are with the affected families," he tweeted.

In a statement issued earlier on Sunday, Nepal`s Civil Aviation Authority said the flight carrying 68 passengers included five Indians, four Russians, and one Irish national."Nepali Army, Police Force, Airport Rescue, and Fire Fighting, and Nepal Police will be informed about the rescue operation. Total number 72 including crew female 25 male 30, standard, white. So far, the death toll is 68," the statement read. 

(With ANI inputs)