Nepal plane crash: Local man among dead

A man from the Isle of Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway is one of the 19 people killed in a plane crash in Nepal.

Latest ITV News reports

UK investigators to assist Nepal authorities into crash probe

Air accident investigators from the UK are heading to Nepal to investigate the plane crash which killed seven Britons yesterday.

45-year-old Darren Kelly from the village of Isle of Whithorn in southern Galloway died alongside his brother Vincent Kelly in the crash.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said today it was sending two staff to Kathmandu to assist local authorities probing the disaster, which killed all 19 people on the aircraft shortly after take-off from the capital city's airport.

The British group, who arrived in Nepal on Wednesday, were due to begin trekking in the Himalayas yesterday.

Five Chinese people, three Nepalese passengers and four crew members were also killed, with reports suggesting the accident was caused by a bird strike.

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Mountaineer Alan Hinkes responds to Nepal plane crash

After hearing of the plane crash in Nepal which killed all 19 people on board including seven Britons, the mountaineer Alan Hinkes MBE explained to ITV Border that he has taken the same flight many times.

The crash also claimed the life of Darren Kelly who was a prominent businessman in the small Dumfries and Galloway village of Isle of Whithorn.

Tributes to 'dynamic and enthusiastic' friend

Darren Kelly Credit: Newton Stewart diving club

A prominent businessman from the small Dumfries and Galloway village of the Ilse of Whithorn is one of the seven Britons who have perished in a plane crash in Nepal.Locals say he was very active in the community and well known in the village.

He was a member of the Newton Stewart Diving Club.

The clubs treasurer, Chris Harrison, knew Mr Kelly well. He paid tribute to him saying:

"He'll be a great loss to the club but mostly to his wife and family. He was a dynamic and enthusiastic person."

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PM: Nepal plane crash 'deeply tragic'

Responding to news of the crash in Nepal, Prime Minister David Cameron said:

"It is an absolutely horrific incident and obviously I feel for the families concerned.

"I know our ambassador in Nepal is on the case and on the spot dealing with it. Obviously we will have to find out exactly what happened.

"It is a deeply, deeply tragic case."

– Prime Minister, David Cameron

Local man killed in Nepal plane crash

A man from the Isle of Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway is among the 19 people killed in a plane crash in Nepal.

He has been named locally as 45 year old businessman, Darren Kelly. He is thought to have been on the trip with his brother.

The cause of the crash has not been established but is thought to have been caused by a flock of birds.The company which the tourists were travelling with have released this statement:

"We are devastated by this news. Our thoughts are very much with the families of those affected, both in the UK and in Nepal.

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said the families of the victims have all been informed.

"The weather was good. The plane was departing for Lukla and our passengers were heading for Everest Base Camp at the start of their trek.

"We have no more information at present."

– ASHLEY TOFT, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EXPLORE WORLDWIDE

The Foreign Office have confirmed seven Britons were among the dead.