Horror as passenger plane skids off runway & crashes before bursting into flames as rescuers scramble to find survivors

A PASSENGER plane carrying 19 people has crashed and burst into flames after skidding off the runway in Nepal.

The plane reportedly failed just moments after takeoff in Kathmandu, Nepal, as onlookers rushed to help recover any survivors with five bodies recovered so far.

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The burning wreckage was quickly surrounded by people trying to rescue those trapped inside the plane[/caption]

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Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing into the sky after the plane crashed[/caption]

AP

Smoke was seen rising from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal after the plane crashed[/caption]

Pictures show the burning wreckage at the Tribhuvan International Airport as thick plumes of smoke are seen flying through the sky.

The Saurya airline jet was heading from Kathmandu to the resort town of Pokhara, say Nepal Television.

Investigations into what caused the plane to skid off the runway are ongoing.

The airport has been closed until emergency services clear the plane and recover any bodies.