18 Killed in Everest Plane Crash

Buddha Air plane was carrying 2 Americans

(AP) - A plane carrying tourists to view Mount Everest crashed while attempting to land in Nepal today, killing all 19 people on board, including 13 foreigners. Ten Indians, two Americans, and one Japanese citizen were among the victims, Tourism Secretary Ganeshraj Joshi said. The turboprop plane belonging to Buddha Air was also carrying three Nepalese passengers and three crew members when it crashed in Bisankunarayan village, just a few miles south of Katmandu. More»

(NEWSER) - Nepal's once-pristine natural beauty has been ravaged by years of civil war, neglect, and corruption, the Washington Post reports. Dangerous levels of pollution now cloud Kathmandu, forcing many residents to wear masks. Even the top of Mount Everest is marred by litter left behind by generations of climbers, and many warn the government that the tourists vital to the country's economy will start staying away if it doesn't take action. More»

Flame will ascend Everest next month

(NEWSER) - Nepal has plans for protesters intent on disrupting the Olympic flame's ascent up Mount Everest, the AP reports. An official today authorized the use of deadly force "to stop any protest on the mountain using whatever means necessary." Climbers are scheduled to reach the summit in the border region between Nepal and Tibet early next month. More»

Handful have already reached summit today

(NEWSER) - The deaths of four people in a Mount Everest "traffic jam" last weekend haven't stopped a new crowd from pushing toward the peak. More than 150 people plan to attempt to reach the top this weekend, and already today, a number of climbers have made it, an official tells the AP . The AP notes that there have been no reports of trouble thus far, and weather conditions continue to be favorable. More»

Aircraft hits hill on approach to Jomsom airport

(NEWSER) - A plane carrying 21 people crashed in the Himalayas this morning as it was attempting a landing in the north of Nepal. At least 15 people were killed, reports the BBC . The Agni Air plane crashed into a hillside about a mile from the Jomsom airport, a hub for trekkers. The injured, including two children, are being treated at a nearby hospital. Most of the fliers were from India and were believed to be traveling to the Muktinath temple, which is popular with Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. CNN reports that a technical problem interfered with the plane's ability to land normally. More»