Pilot failed to signal SOS, being blamed for Mangalore air crash

MANGALORE - The pilot of the Air India Express flight from Dubai to Mangalore failed to signal or announce an emergency landing, and this is being cited as a factor leading to Saturday’s crash near Mangalore Airport.

At least 169 people are feared dead after an Air India Express aircraft from Dubai to Mangalore overshot the runway while landing at the Mangalore airport on Saturday morning.

A total of 173 people including the crew members were on board the flight that crashed around 6: 30 a.m.

At least 20 fire tenders have been rushed to the site as the plane is on fire and smoke was seen coming out of the airport.

The rescue operation is still on with the help of around 150 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel.

It has been reported that there are six survivors, who have been rushed to the hospital.

Karnataka Home Minister Dr V S Acharya said incident happened near a valley 10 kilometers from the airport.

Meanwhile, the Mangalore airport has been shut for the time being.

There are reports that Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has rushed to Mangalore to monitor the situation. (ANI)