Seven British nationals are believed to be among 19 people killed during a plane crash in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The Sita Air-operated aircraft came down moments after take off with the loss of three crew and 16 passengers. 

The plane was headed for Lukla, a trekking hub in the Everest region of the mountainous country.

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office has confirmed Britons are among the dead, but has not said how many.

“We can confirm that there were British national fatalities,” read a statement.

“The embassy remains in contact with Nepalese authorities.”

Local officials said the plane crashed into a river back before catching fire.

Five Chinese nationals and seven Nepali nationals, including the three Nepalese crew, were also on the plane according to local reports.

Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, general manager of Tribhuvan International Airport, released a statement claiming the plane struck a vulture.

However, this is yet to be confirmed.