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Air India flight with 200 passengers split into 2 after skidding off runway while landing amid heavy rainfall

The flight had been returning with passengers from Dubai and crashed while landing at the airport in Kozhikode

Indian officials are fearing casualties after an Air India flight with 191 people on board from Dubai overshot the runway while landing at the airport in Kozhikode in the southern state of Kerala and split into two.

There were 174 passengers, 10 infants, two pilots, and five cabin crew members on board flight IX-1344, with television and social media images and videos from the site showing the extensive damage that the aircraft had suffered.

Air India confirmed the accident in a statement. "Air India Express flight IX 1344 operated by B737 aircraft from Dubai to Calicut overshot runway at Kozhikode at 1941 hrs tonight," they said. "No fire reported at the time of landing. There are 174 passengers, 10 Infants, 2 Pilots and 5 cabin Crew on board the aircraft. As per the initial reports rescue operations are on and Passengers are being taken to hospital for medical care. We will soon share the update in this regard."

A video uploaded by the BBC showed police and emergency personnel swarming around the plane, which had been completely wrecked in a crash that had strewn debris all over the hilltop runway

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the fell into a valley and broke in two after skidding off the end of the runway, with the tragic accident unfolding amid heavy rainfall that has already triggered landslides in other parts of the state.

According to the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24, the aircraft circled the airport several times and made two attempts to land before its final, and fatal attempt. Indian officials have confirmed that at least two people have died in the crash, including one of the pilots. NDTV identified the pilot as Captain Dipak Vasant Sathe, a former Indian Air Force Pilot who had won the Sword of Honor award at the Air Force Association.

Several Indian ministers and personalities have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness at the accident and have promised to dispatch aid to those affected.

"Distressed to learn about the tragic accident of Air India Express aircraft in Kozhikode, Kerala," tweeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "Have instructed NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) to reach the site at the earliest and assist with the rescue operations."

"Have instructed Police and Fire Force to take urgent action in the wake of the plane crash at the Kozhikode International airport (CCJ) in Karipur," wrote Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. "Have also directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support."

Rahul Gandhi, formerly the president of the Indian National Congress, similarly wrote, "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.

Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest cricket players, posted, "Praying for the safety of everyone onboard the #AirIndia Express Aircraft that’s overshot the runway at Kozhikode Airport, Kerala. Deepest condolences to the families who have lost their near ones in this tragic accident."