Saturday morning opened with tragedy in Mangalore, as an Air India Express flight from Dubai crashed. The flight crashed 10 km away from the Bajpe airport, and technical flaws and poor visibility are being cited as reasons for the crash. The plane had overshot the runway, and the aircraft caught fire and fell into a nearby valley. The flight crashed at around 6:30am.
Mangalore airport, being on a hill-top, is at a higher risk than normal of mishaps due to wqrong decisions in landing flights.
There were 169 passengers on board, including 19 children. The Mangalore airport has been shut for now.
Rescue teams are undertaking operations, but rains and poor weather are hampering their work. The Mangalore airport has been shut down for the day.
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has expressed shock over the accident. The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, through a statement issued by the PMO, has expressed his deep condolences at the grievous loss of life. He has announced a compensation of Rs. 50,000 to each of those injured in the crash, from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Congress President Sonia Gandhi has also expressed condolences. Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Congress leader Veerappa Moily are rushing to Mangalore.
Meanwhile, the helpline numbers for Mangalore are 0824-2220422, 2010167. The Air India helpline centre at Delhi Airport can be contacted at 011-2565-6196 and 011-2560-3101.