Aircraft missing in Nepal

A small aircraft carrying 18 people was reported missing in Nepal today as it approached the western resort town of Pokhara.

There were 15 passengers and three crew on board the Canadian-built Twin Otter belonging to the private carrier, Shines.

An official at the airline said bad weather was hampering search efforts.

The official said the plane was approaching Pokhara, 125 miles west of the capital Kathmandu, when air traffic controllers lost contact.

The flight was coming from Jomson, a popular trekking route and Hindu religious site.

The official said the passenger list was not yet available and it was not yet known if any foreigners were on board.