Murli Deora expresses grief over Mangalore crash

NEW DELHI - Petroleum Minister Murli Deora on Saturday condoled the loss of 158 lives in the Air India Express crash near Mangalore this morning.

Deora directed Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) to provide all relief support to surviving victims of the crash.

MRPL is a majority owned subsidiary of the ONGC with a major refinery complex in Karnataka.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has confirmed that 158 people died in the crash, leaving behind eight survivors.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has reportedly submitted a four-page report to Dr Singh on the Mangalore air crash.

“There were 137 adults, 19 children, four infants and six crew members on board. Only eight survived. Four passengers sustained minor injuries. Three are severely injured,” Patel said.

It was also reported that the pilot of the aircraft failed to signal or announce an emergency landing, which is being cited as a factor leading to the crash.

A probe team from Mumbai has gone to Mangalore today to inspect the crash site and determine the cause of the mishap. (ANI)