An Air India Express plane carrying 191 people including 10 infants, which was coming from Dubai, skidded off the runway while landing at Karipur Airport in Kozhikode on Friday evening. The incident took place amid very heavy rainfall in the area.
Kondotty Police said that Dubai-Kozhikode Air India flight (IX-1344) skidded during landing at Karipur airport at around 7.45 pm today.
Air India Express said that there were six crew members on board including two pilots.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a statement regarding the same. "Air India Express AXB1344, B737 Dubai to Calicut, person on board 191, visibility 2000 meter, heavy rain, after landing Runway 10, continue running to the end of the runway and fall down in the valley and broke down in two pieces," read the statement.
The DGCA has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others expressed shock after the news broke.
"Distressed to learn about the tragic accident of Air India Express aircraft in Kozhikode, Kerala. Have instructed NDRF to reach the site at the earliest and assist with the rescue operations," tweeted Amit Shah.
"Devastating news from Kozhikode, Kerala. I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to an accident carrying several passengers on Air India flight. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," said Rajnath Singh.
Here is what the other politicians said:
(With ANI inputs)
