The Dubai-Kozhikode Air India Express flight AXB1344, B737, ran as part of the Vande Bharat Mission to bring home stranded people from other countries amid the Covid-19 pandemic, fell down into a ravine after landing at Runway 10 of Karipur Airport and split into two pieces. There were 191 people on board.
The Dubai-Kozhikode Air India Express flight AXB1344, B737, operated as part of the Vande Bharat Mission to bring home stranded people from other countries amid the Covid-19 pandemic, fell down into a ravine after landing at Runway 10 of Karipur Airport and split into two pieces. There were 191 people on board.
The accident happened when the flight was about to land. After overshooting the runway, the aircraft broke into two pieces. The incident took place amid inclement weather due to very heavy rainfall in the area. The aircraft skidded off the runaway around 7.40 pm. There were 191 passengers, including crew members on board the flight.
One of the pilots of the aircraft, former Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilot Captain DV Sathe, and two passenengers are feared dead. Preliminary images from the accident site showed the flight broke into two pieces with debris all over the runway. At least, 40 passengers are believed to be injured, according to initial reports.
It is to be noted that the Kozhikkode airport is a tabletop airport. Rescue operations are underway.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a tweet, “Have instructed Police and Fire Force to take urgent action in the wake of the plane crash at the Kozhikode International airport in Karipur. Have also directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support.”