Kerala plane crash: Air India praises Malappuram residents for saving lives

Air India Express has expressed its gratitude to people of Mallapuram, Kerala for help in a  lane crash in which 18 people died Friday night.

In a tweet, the Air India Express said, "Taking a bow to HUMANITY! A standing ovation from our hearts to the PEOPLE OF MALAPPURAM, Kerala, who had showered us with kindness & humanity during the uncertain incident. We owe you a lot! #ExpressGratitude."

"It takes not just courage, but a touch of humanity to save a life. We at Air India Express, take a bow to the people of Malappuram who have risked their own lives to save many," the tweet added.

Earlier on August 8, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a tweet said, "Yesterday, the fast response of local people and officials made all the difference. They braved bad weather and Covid fears to rescue their fellow beings. The long queues of people who wanted to donate blood was just one example."

Investigation for the accident is continuing and will take some time before it is completed, Air India Express said.

At least 18 people, including two pilots, lost their lives in the incident. it added.

The Air India Express flight carrying 190 passengers including 10 infants skidded while landing at Karipur airport in Kozhikode.

Earlier, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that an enquiry has been ordered under the Aircraft Act, black boxes of flight IX-1344 have been recovered. Findings of this investigation will be made public.