Air India Express plane IX 1344, with more than 180 passengers on board has skid off the runway of Karipur airport in Kozhikode, Kerala.
The Air India Express flight IX1344, B737 from Dubai to Calicut under the Vande Bharat Mission, bringing stranded people from other UAE amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
As per the latest reports at least both the pilots and 16 passengers have been confirmed dead . At least 191 souls were on boards. The reports also suggest that at least 100 people have been found live and have been shifted to various hospitals.
Two teams of NDRF have been rushed to the Airport. From the initial reports and DGCA statements it can be understood that the Aircraft attempted amidst heavy rainfall. After touchdown the plane skid on the runway, went into a ditch and broke into two. The reports suggest that there was no fire.
The front portion of the plan has sustained heavy damage. The passengers and the crew in front sections may have sustained life threatening injuries.
The data from flight radar suggests that the altitude drop of the plane was not smooth – most likely because of prevailing wind conditions
The visibility is being reported to be decent and the pilots have been reported to among the senior most. Wing Commander Deepak Vasant Sathe, the commander of the flight was a decorated Air Force pilot as well as test pilot. The PM has expressed his grief.
Pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Kerala CM @vijayanpinarayi Ji regarding the situation. Authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2020
The accident brings back memories of Mangalore crash Air India Express Flight 812 in which 158 crew and passengers perished on 22 may 2010.
Terrible images coming of Air India Express aircraft overshooting at Kozhikode where its raining heavily.
— Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) August 7, 2020
Again like the 2010 crash of Air India Express IX-812 a Dubai flight. This time evening then it was early morning. pic.twitter.com/zeNYjHoMwM
