New Delhi (NVI): At least 16 people were killed including both the pilots and 123 were injured after an Air India Express plane from Dubai carrying 190 passengers skidded off the runway in Kerala’s Kozhikode airport amid heavy rains.
According to civil aviation regulator DGCA, the aircraft skidded off the runway, crashed into a wall, and then fell into a valley, splitting into two. 15 passengers have been seriously injured according to a Kerala Police official.
Union Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that there were 190 people on the flight including 174 passengers, 4 cabin crew and 2 pilots.
“As per the flight manifest there were 190 people on flight AXB-1344 including 174 adult passengers,10 infants, 4 cabin crew & 2 pilots. Unfortunately, 16 people have lost their lives. I offer my heartfelt condolences to their next of kin & pray for speedy recovery of the injured,” he tweeted.
As per the flight manifest there were 190 people on flight AXB-1344 including 174 adult passengers,10 infants, 4 cabin crew & 2 pilots.
Unfortunately, 16 people have lost their lives. I offer my heartfelt condolences to their next of kin & pray for speedy recovery of the injured.— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 7, 2020
He said that two investigation teams of professionals from Air India and Airports Authority of India (AAI) will leave for Kozhikode at 0.200 am 05.00 am.
“Everyone has now been rescued from the aircraft. Rescue operations are now complete. Injured being treated at various city hospitals,” he tweeted.
The flight was part of the Vande Bharat mission that has been bringing back Indians from abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Air India Express Flight No IX 1344 from Dubai to Calicut skidded off the runway. We pray for well being of passengers and crew and will keep you updated as and when we receive further updates,” Indian embassy in Dubai tweeted. The tweet was retweeted by Air Indian Express.
Air India Express Flight No IX 1344 from Dubai to Calicut skidded off the runway.We pray for well being of passengers and crew and will keep you updated as and when we receive further updates.Our helplines 056 546 3903, 0543090572, 0543090572, 0543090575 @MOS_MEA @IndembAbuDhabi
— India in Dubai (@cgidubai) August 7, 2020
“We regret that there has been an incident regarding our aircraft VT GHK, OPERATING IX 1344 DXB CCJ. We will update as we get the details,” Air India Express said in another tweet.
We regret that there has been an incident regarding our aircraft VT GHK, OPERATING IX 1344 DXB CCJ. We will update as we get the details.
— Air India Express (@FlyWithIX) August 7, 2020
Media reports said that the incident took place amid very heavy rainfall in the area around 7:38 pm. There were 191 passengers including crew members on board the flight, according to initial reports.
The Kozhikode airport is a tabletop airport like the one in Mangaluru.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also tweeted on the incident. “Deeply distressed to hear about the Air India Express tragedy at Kozhikode. Prayers are with the bereaved families and those injured. We are ascertaining further details,” he said.
Deeply distressed to hear about the Air India Express tragedy at Kozhikode. Prayers are with the bereaved families and those injured. We are ascertaining further details.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 7, 2020
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava also expressed grief over the incident while sharing MEA helplines that are open 24X7. “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Express Flight No IX 1344 at Kozhikode,” he tweeted.
We are deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Express Flight No IX 1344 at Kozhikode.
MEA helplines are open 24×7:
? 1800 118 797
? +91 11 23012113
?+91 11 23014104
?+91 11 23017905
Fax: +91 11 23018158
Email: [email protected]— Anurag Srivastava (@MEAIndia) August 7, 2020
(More details awaited)
