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Flight from Dubai crashes in Kerala’s Kozhikode, ten feared dead

There were 184 passengers on-board the flight: AIE official.

An Air India Express flight IX1344 that departed from Dubai on Friday afternoon crash-landed at Kerala’s Kozhikode airport. The flight skidded off the runway and fell 30 feet into a valley.

Reports said the aircraft split into two on impact. Local media reported there have been multiple casualties, including deaths and serious injuries

P G Prageesh, Chief of Corporate Communications at Air India Express, told Khaleej Times: "As per the primary information, there were 184 passengers on board the flight. The aircraft skidded off the runaway and fell into a valley situated near the airport. Rescue operations are underway."

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Air India Express AXB1344, a B737 aircraft, landed on Runway 10 amid visibility of 2,000 metres in heavy rain, but continued running till the end of runway, fell down in the valley and broke in two pieces, IANS reported.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted Friday evening, "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."

"Shocked At The Devastating News": Rahul Gandhi
"Shocked at the devastating news of the plane mishap in Kozhikode. Deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who died in this accident. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

He said the flight had six crew members, including two pilots. Media reports said one of them is dead

"Devastating News": Rajnath Singh On Kozhikode Flight Skidding
"Devastating news from Kozhikode, Kerala. I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to an accident carrying several passengers on Air India flight. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.

"Distressed," Tweets Amit Shah on Calicut Incident
"Distressed to learn about the tragic accident of Air India Express aircraft in Kozhikode, Kerala. Have instructed NDRF to reach the site at the earliest and assist with the rescue operations," Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.

"Second Tragedy Of The Day": BJP MP
BJP MP KJ Alphons termed the incident as "second tragedy of the day" after 13 people died in state’s Idukki in a landslide incident. "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," KJ Alphons tweeted.

Picture shows plane broken into two pieces
An aerial picture of the ill-fated plane shows that the plane has been broken into two pieces after the accident. There were 184 confirmed passengers onboard the plane.

Neeraj Agarwal, Consul - Press, Information and Culture at the Indian Consulate in Dubai, confirmed to Khaleej Times that the flight was part of the Vande Bharat Mission. "The flight was carrying 174 adults and 10 infants. Majority of the passengers were families, and it included 128 male and 46 female passengers."

The incident happened even as the south Indian state is grappling with heavy rains.