At least two dead as Air India flight from Dubai with 191 passengers onboard splits in two as it crash-lands on runway in Kerala
- The Air India flight left Dubai and was overshot the runway in Calicut, Kerala
- Images on social media show aircraft torn in two with people gathered around
- Police reports say the pilot and one other individual were killed in the disaster
- Another 35 people were injured in the crash with 191 passengers onboard
At least two have died after an Air India Express plane flying from Dubai to Calicut with 191 passengers onboard overshot the runway and crashed into a valley.
The plane crashed in heavy rain at its destination at around 7.45pm (2.45pm GMT) today.
Images circulating on social media show an aircraft ruptured into two parts laying in a valley near Calicut airport, in the Indian state of Kerala.
According to police reports, the pilot and one other individual were killed in the disaster. Another 35 people were injured in the crash.
An Air India Express plane flying from Dubai to Calicut with 191 passengers onboard has crashed into a valley after overshooting the runway at its destination
Pictured: An aerial view shows fire engines racing to the scene of the crash today near to Calicut airport in India’s Kerala
Pictured: A view of the plane which split in two when it over shot the runway at Calicut airport in India’s Kerala today
There were ten infants onboard, according to reports. A photograph of a young girl who was allegedly on the plane and was found without a guardian has been circulating on social media.
A post reads: ‘This kid is found from spot where plane accident occurred. Nobody is with her and she is taken to Kondotty Hospital. Please share this.’
It is not known if the tweet is genuine but a second post claims the child has since been reunited with her parents.
‘Dubai-Kozhikode Air India flight (IX-1344) skidded during landing at Karipur Airport at around 7.45 pm (2.45pm GMT) today,’ Kondotty Police told news agency ANI.
Reports suggested the plane ‘skidded’ off the runway after trying to land in heavy rain
According to local media, 15 ambulances attended the crash and have rushed the injured passengers and crew to nearby hospitals.
In a tweet, former Minister of State for Tourism said that though many passengers were injured, ‘all passengers evacuated’, and the only death he reported was of the pilot.
‘Second tragedy of the day in Kerala: Air India Express skids off the runway at Kozhikode, front portion splits, the pilot dies and lots of passengers injured,’ wrote former Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons.
‘All passengers evacuated. Very lucky the aircraft didn’t catch fire.’