ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed grief over a plane crash in Nepal after the Himalayan state witnessed one of the worst aviation accidents in history that claimed the lives of dozens of people.
The crash took place when a small commercial plane of Yeti Airlines plunged into a gorge while approaching the central city of Pokhara before hitting the ground and catching fire.
Rescue workers in Nepal said they were not hopeful to find any survivors at this stage after finding more bodies from the wreckage.
“I send my heartfelt condolences and most sincere sympathies to H.E. Pushpa Kamal Dahal Pranchanda @cmprachanda on the tragic crash of a passenger aircraft,” the Pakistani premier said on Twitter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families & the people of Nepal.”
Pakistan’s foreign office also said in a statement the country was saddened at the tragic accident and was praying for the families of the victims.
“We stand with the people of Nepal in their hour of grief,” it added.
Meanwhile, rescue workers in Nepal said they had collected 68 bodies and were going to continue with their work.
“We pray for a miracle. But, the hope of finding anyone alive is nil,” AFP quoted a local official, Tek Bahadur KC, as saying.
According to the airline’s spokesperson, there were 15 foreigners on board, including five Indians, four Russians, two South Koreans, and one passenger each from Argentina, Australia, France and Ireland.
Sunday’s crash is Nepal’s deadliest since 1992 when all 167 people aboard a Pakistan International Airlines plane were killed when it plowed into a hill as it tried to land in Katmandu.
