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Putin expresses condolences to his Nepalese counterpart due to plane crash near Pokhara

"Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims of this terrible plane crash," the text reads

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent condolences to his Nepalese counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari in connection with the plane crash near the city of Pokhara, according to the text of the telegram published on Sunday on the Kremlin website.

"Please accept my deep condolences for the tragic consequences of the crash of a passenger plane near the town of Pokhara. Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims of this terrible plane crash," the text reads.

The plane of Nepal's Yeti Airlines flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara crashed on Sunday morning. There were 72 people on board, including 53 Nepalis, four Russians, five Indians, two South Koreans and one Irish, one Argentinian, one Australian and one Frenchman were aboard the plane. According to News-18, they all died. A source at Pokhara International Airport told TASS that two Nepalese citizens survived the crash, they were in hospital in an extremely serious condition.

The Russian embassy confirmed to TASS the deaths of the Russians.

The crash occurred on landing approach. An ATR 72 short-haul regional airliner, produced in France and Italy by aircraft manufacturer ATR, crashed to the ground. It can carry up to 74 passengers. Rescuers are still working at the scene.

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