Air India crash: Mass panic as aircraft plummets into gorge – video

The plane was coming in from Dubai and it overshot the runway as it landed. Horrifying footage of the scene shows the fuselage split into two. A police official has confirmed five are dead and 35 people are injured. The Air India Express plane from Dubai had 191 passengers and crew on board when it overshot the runway, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement. There were 10 infants on board.

Police superintendent Abdul Karim said: “We believe there are two people dead, and 35 injured, we are still in the middle of the rescue effort.”

The civil aviation ministry said in the statement: “As per the initial reports rescue operations are on and passengers are being taken to hospital for medical care.”

There was no fire on board, it said.

Later, a minister in the southern state of Kerala where the crash occurred said five people have died.

The plane reportedly plummeted 30 feet into a deep gorge.

The Kozhikkode airport in the south Indian state of Kerala is a tabletop airport meaning the runway is located on the top of a plateau or hill with one or both ends adjacent to a steep precipice which drops into a deep gorge.

Images from the scene show the plane split into two pieces with debris strewn across the runway.

The accident took place during a torrential downpour in the area at around 7.40pm local time.

Former Union Minister KJ Alphons also tweeted: “Second tragedy of the day in Kerala : Air India Express skids off the run way at Kozhikode, front portion splits, pilot dies and lots of passengers injured.

“All passengers evacuated. Very lucky the aircraft didn’t catch fire.”

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 (CCJ) in Karipur.

“Have also directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support.”

Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) Arun Kumar told India Today: “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.”

More to follow…

source: express.co.uk