Kozhikode:
An Air India Express plane carrying 184 passengers including 10 infants, which was coming from Dubai, skidded while landing at Karipur Airport in Kozhikode on Friday evening.
Kondotty Police said that the Dubai-Kozhokode flight X1344, a Boeing 737, skidded during landing at Karipur airport at around 7.45 pm today.
New Agency Reuters cited a police official as saying that at least two people were dead and 35 people were wounded in the crash.
It is worth mentioning that the Kerala received heavy rains on Friday and the Kozhikode airport is a tabletop airport.
Air India Express said that there were six crew members on board including two pilots.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.
According to sources atleast three people including a pilot and two passengers were killed in mishap. As many as 24 ambulances and fire tenders have been rushed to the airport.
“We are still searching for around 100 people,” said officials who said that shortage of torches and incessant rain were causing the rescue process to halt.
“Air India Express flight IX 1344 operated by B737 aircraft from Dubai to Calicut overshot runway at Kozhikode at 1941 hours tonight. No fire reported at the time of landing,” Air India Express said in a statement.
“There are 174 passengers, 10 infants, two pilots and five cabin crew on board the aircraft.”
“As per the initial reports, rescue operations are on and passengers are being taken to hospital for medical care,” it added.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he has instructed the police and fire Force to take urgent action. “Have also directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support,” he added in a tweet.
