“We have learned with deep sorrow that many people lost their lives this morning (15 January) as a result of the plane crash in Nepal,” the Ministry said.

“We extend our condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident as well as to the friendly people and Government of Nepal and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the Ministry added.

On Sunday, at least 68 people were killed when a Nepalese passenger plane with 72 people onboard crashed into a river gorge while landing at the airport in central Nepal's resort city of Pokhara.

It is Nepal's deadliest air crash since 1992 and the deadliest involving an ATR 72.  (ILKHA)