Wreckage of missing flight in Nepal found, all 23 on board dead

The wreckage of a light plane that disappeared in the mountains of Nepal this afternoon has been found, with all 23 people on board feared dead.

The country's tourism minister confirmed searchers had discovered the downed plane, with local media reporting the aircraft came down in the jungle and was "completely destroyed".

The Nepali Times has quoted police as saying they do not believe there are any survivors.

Associated Press has quoted a local government official as saying the Tara Twin Otter plane lost contact with air traffic controllers this afternoon.

He said the plane departed from Pokhara, 80 miles west of Kathmandu, to Jomsom when it lost contact with the control tower.

Jomsom is a starting point for trekkers going into mountainous areas.

It is understood two foreigners are among the 23 people on board.