A pilot and two passengers were killed after an Air India Express plane with more than 180 passengers on board skidded off the runway on Friday at the Karipur airport in Kozhikode in Kerala. The plane skidded off the tabletop runway and fell into a 50-feet valley breaking into two portions. as per the News18 report

Twenty-four ambulances and fire tenders have been rushed to the airport.

According to officials of the Kerala Police, at least 35 people have been reported injured and shifted to various hospitals. It had been raining heavily at the time of the accident.

“We are still searching for around 100 people,” said officials, adding that a shortage of torches and incessant rainfall 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.”

India’s top aviation body, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter. It said the plane broke into “two pieces” after landing at the airport.

The regulator said the flight — IX 1344 — continued running to the end of the runway amid heavy rain and “fell down in the valley and broke down in two pieces”.

There were 174 passengers, 10 infants , 2 pilots and 5 cabin crew on board the aircraft.

Air India Express Flight No IX 1344 from Dubai to Calicut skidded off the runway. We will keep you updated as and when we receive further updates. Our helplines – 056 546 3903, 0543090572, 0543090572, 0543090575: Consulate General of India, Dubai.