A passenger plane burst into flames after it skidded off a runway at an airport in India. The incident occurred on Friday, July 2nd, and has left many people shocked and concerned. Here’s what we know so far about the incident and the ongoing investigation.
The plane, a Boeing 737 operated by Air India Express, was carrying 191 passengers and crew members from Dubai to Calicut when it overshot the runway upon landing at the Calicut International Airport. The flight was part of the Vande Bharat Mission, which aims to repatriate Indian citizens stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane skid off the runway and fall into a valley before bursting into flames. The impact of the crash split the plane into two pieces, with the front portion catching fire. The local authorities and emergency services were immediately alerted and rushed to the scene to rescue the passengers and crew.
Despite the challenging conditions, the rescue teams were able to evacuate all passengers and crew members from the burning plane. Unfortunately, the incident has claimed the lives of at least 18 people, including both pilots. The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, and the authorities are providing all necessary support and assistance to the affected individuals and their families.
The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that heavy rainfall and low visibility may have played a role. The airport is situated on a hilltop, and the runway is known for being tricky to land on, especially during adverse weather conditions. The black box of the plane has been recovered, and the data will be analyzed to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
The Indian government has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and has promised a thorough investigation into the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Kerala CM @vijayanpinarayi Ji regarding the situation. Authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected.”
The aviation industry is a highly regulated and monitored sector, and such incidents are rare. The Air India Express flight had undergone all necessary safety checks before takeoff, and the pilots were experienced and qualified. The airline has an excellent safety record, and this incident is a tragic and unfortunate event.
The Indian aviation authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent such incidents from happening in the future. The Civil Aviation Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, said, “The Air India Express flight that crash-landed at Kozhikode was a part of the Vande Bharat Mission. The flight was being operated by a very experienced crew. We are in touch with senior officials, including DGCA, to ensure a thorough investigation and support to the affected.”
The incident has also highlighted the bravery and quick response of the rescue teams and the local community. The airport’s fire and rescue team were the first to reach the scene and were able to control the fire and evacuate the passengers. The local residents also played a crucial role in helping the injured and providing support to the affected individuals.
In times like these, it is heartening to see the spirit of unity and support among people, especially during a global pandemic. The Indian government has announced compensation of 10 lakhs for the families of the deceased and 2 lakhs for the injured. The airline has also announced additional compensation for the affected individuals.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of safety and the need for continuous improvement in the aviation industry. It is also a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and we hope for a speedy recovery for the injured.
As the investigation into the incident continues, we must remain positive and have faith in the authorities to ensure the safety of air travel. Let us also take a moment to appreciate the efforts of the rescue teams and the local community in their swift response and support during this tragic event. Together, we can overcome any challenge and emerge stronger.
