Two tragedies strike Kerala in a day: Over 30 dead in plane crash and floods

Mangalore Today News Network

Kozhikode, Aug 08, 2020:     With flood-induced landslides hitting it in the morning and then a plane crash, Kerala endured two tragedies on a single day on Friday.

 

At least 15 people were killed and around 50 others feared trapped in debris after a landslide triggered by heavy rains flattened a row of dwelling units of tea estate workers at Pettimudi in Rajamala in this high-range district in Kerala early Friday, police and officials said.

Efforts were underway amid continuing rains to locate the missing people in the first major rain-related mishap since the onset of South West monsoon last month that brought back memories of devastation caused by floods and landslides in the previous two years in the state.

Later on Friday evening, an Air India Express flight, with 190 on board, split into half as it skidded off the runway in Kozhikode (Calicut) International airport in Kerala. The plane was part of India’s "Vande Bharat" repatriation initiative to bring back expatriates from foreign countries.

Nineteen, including former Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilot Captain DV Sathe and his co-pilot, have died while the injured are being treated at the MIMS hospital and Baby Memorial hospital in Calicut.

First floods, landslides and then a massive plane crash- Kerala suffered two tragedies in a day which have so far killed over 30 people.

Many were quick to point out how the state suffered the second tragedy of the day on Friday evening.

Former Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons in a tweet said, "It was the second tragedy of the day."
Thiruvananthapuram Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor also tweeted, "Tragic day for Kerala. First the deaths in Munnar & now this: I hear both pilots have died. Hope rescue efforts will succeed in saving all the passengers #KozhikodeAirCrash"

Courtesy:India Today