'Tragic, painful moment': PM Modi, Priyanka Gandhi, KC Venugopal condole deaths in Kerala plane mishap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi expressed his grief over the plane crash incident which took place in Kozhikode of Kerala on Friday evening. At least 18 people have died when a plane with 190 people on board coming from Dubai met with an accident.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday expressed grief over the Air India flight accident in Kerala's Kozhikode. PM Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the situation. "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 regarding the situation. Authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected," PM Modi tweeted.

President Kovind also informed that he spoke to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan to inquire about the situation. "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," his tweet read.

Congress General Secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and have also expressed grief and conveyed condolences to the people, who died in the plane crash tragedy.

"My heart goes out to the crew and passengers of the Air India plane that has crashed in Calicut and to their families. Our prayers are with you at this tragic and painful moment," tweeted Priyanka Gandhi.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi expressed shock over the plane mishap in Kozhikode on Friday evening. "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," Gandhi said.

Expressing shock at the plane accident, Venugopal said, "The flight accident at Karipur is a shocking incident. The governments (state and Centre) must take all necessary measures for emergency rescue and help." "I have already requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to order an immediate enquiry to find out the exact reasons behind the shocking accident. Emergency medical care and assistance should be ensured for the injured and financial assistance should be declared for the deceased," Venugopal said.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri has informed that two investigation teams from Air India, Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will leave for Kozhikode on Saturday to probe the plane crash in Kerala.

"Two investigation teams of professionals from @airindiain @AAI_Official and AAIB will leave for Kozhikode at 02.00 hours and 05.00 hours. Everyone has now been rescued from the aircraft. Rescue operations are now complete. Injured being treated at various city hospitals," Puri said in a tweet.

At least 18 people have died when a plane with 190 people on board coming from Dubai met with an accident at Karipur airport in Kozhikode on Friday evening, as per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

"Death toll in the Air India Express flight crash landing incident at Kozhikode rises to 18," the DGCA said in a statement.

Air India Express Dubai-Kozhikode IX-1344 flight, carrying 190 people on board from Dubai under the Vande Bharat Mission, skidded off the runway at Karipur Airport in Kozhikode at 7:41 pm on Friday in which several people sustained injuries.

(With inputs from agencies)