Kozhikode Plane Crash: PM Modi, leaders express grief

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Kozhikode Plane Crash: PM Modi, leaders express grief

Last Updated : 07 Aug 2020 11:48:23 PM IST

Kozhikode flight accident

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to get a sense of the ground situation, soon after an Air India Express flight overshot the runway and crashed.

The Prime Minister 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." He added that authorities are already at the spot and providing all possible assistance.

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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2020

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been rushed for evacuation and rescue work. Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, "Distressed to learn about the tragic accident of Air India Express aircraft in Kozhikode, Kerala."

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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 7, 2020

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grief and shock over the incident as he said, "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."

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 (@RahulGandhi) August 7, 2020

President Ram Nath Kovind said he was deeply distressed to hear about the tragic plane accident and that he spoke to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and enquired about the situation there.

"Deeply distressed to hear about the tragic plane crash of Air India Express flight at Kozhikode, Kerala. Spoke to @KeralaGovernor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan and inquired about the situation. Thoughts and prayers with affected passengers, crew members and their families," the President tweeted.

Deeply distressed to hear about the tragic plane crash of Air India Express flight at Kozhikode, Kerala. Spoke to @KeralaGovernor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan and inquired about the situation. Thoughts and prayers with affected passengers, crew members and their families.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2020

Fourteen people have been reported dead so far, including the pilot. The mishap occurred at around 8.20 p.m. The aircraft had 190 people onboard, including 174 passengers, 10 infants, four crew members and two pilots.

About 40 ambulances have reached the accident spot and are rushing the passengers to various hospitals in Kozhikode and Malappuram. The condition of several passengers who were brought to a private hospital is reported to be serious.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed local Self Government Minister A.C. Moideen to rush to the accident site.