Dubai-Kozhikode Air India skids off runway in Kerala; two dead

An Air India Flight coming from Dubai skid off the runway, and slid into a valley, after landing at Karipur Airport, Kozhikode in Kerala late on Friday evening. With 191 passengers on board, the plane crashed and broke into two parts after the accident.

The mishap took place at 7:10 pm due to the heavy rains. Two people, including pilot Deepak Vasant Sathe, died on spot. Co-pilot, critically injured, has been taken to the hospital. Several passengers have sustained serious injuries. The cockpit and the front door were ravaged but fortunately, the aircraft did not catch fire.

"Dubai-Kozhikode Air India flight (IX-1344) skidded during landing at Karipur Airport at around 7:45 pm today," Kondotty Police told news agency ANI. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an investigation into the matter.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan instructed Police and Fire Force to urgently send in help at the Kozhikode International airport (CCJ) in Karipur. "Have also directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support," he said. Ambulances and tenders rushed to the spot to aid the injured.

KJ Alphons, former Minister of State for Tourism, and Rajya Sabha MP said, "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. All passengers evacuated. Very lucky the aircraft didn’t catch fire."