Air India plane crash: Amit Shah 'distressed'; directs NDRF to assist in rescue operations

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to Twitter to express his distress after an Air India Express AXB1344, B737 aircraft from Dubai to Calicut with over 191 passengers skid off runway, crash landing at Karipur Airport, Kozhikode. Fire tenders and ambulances were rushed to spot. As per a statement from Directorate General of Civil Aviation, flight arriving from Dubai overshot runway and broke into two pieces.

Home Minister also instructed NDRF teams to reach site of crash-landing and assist with rescue operations. Amit Shah's statement came immediately after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ordered stringent and urgent action. Chief Minister also directed officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support. 

flight, an Air India  Express AXB1344, Boeing 737-800 was part of Vande Bharat Mission. As per sources, flight was landing at Calicut, however, due to a rough landing, flight skid off runway. plane broke into two pieces. As per latest information by Ministry fo Civil Aviation, re were 174 passengers, 10 infants, 2 pilots & 4* cabin crew onboard aircraft. 

READ Kozhikode Air India crash LIVE Updates: Plane with 184 onboard skids off runway, rescue on

DGCA issues statement

Reacting to incident, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a statement and confirmed that re were 191 people on board  flight, while visibility was 2000 meters at time of landing. 

Speaking to Republic, DGCA DG Arun Kumar said, "Flight from Dubai landed in Calicut and landing was t smooth with airport falling into a valley. While plane did t catch fire, it broke into 2 parts. re are 189 passengers on plane, but rescue operations continue."

READ Air India Plane Crash: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Orders Urgent Rescue & Relief Action

Ministry of Civil Aviation issues statement

"Air India Express flight IX 1344 operated by B737 aircraft from Dubai to Calicut overshot runway at Kozhikode at 19:41 hrs tonight. fire reported at time of landing. re are 174 passengers, 10 Infants, 2 pilots and 5 cabin crew on board aircraft. As per initial reports, rescue operations are on and  Passengers are being taken to hospital for medical care. We will soon share update in this regard."

Meanwhile, Air India has also issued helpline numbers in wake of horrific incident. helpline numbers are  - 056 546 3903, 0543090572, 0543090572, 0543090575

READ Air India Kozhikode Crash: PM Modi speaks to Kerala CM, promises all possible assistance