In the Air India Express plane crash two pilots and 16 passengers lost lives in the tragic plane crash.
On the evening of the 7th of August, an Air India Express Boeing 737-800, flight carrying 190 people on board crashed.
The plane crashed while landing at Kozhikode Airport also known as Karipur Airport, Kerala.
The two pilots who lost their lives were Wing Commander Deepak Vasant Sathe and Captain Akhilesh Kumar.
Wing Commander Deepak V Sathe was a decorated former fighter pilot with the Indian Air Force. He was also an alumnus of the National Defence Academy.
Hearing the demise of Wing Commander Deepak, Retired Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale said, “Captain Deepak V Sathe was from the 58th course of the NDA. He was from the Juliet Squadron,” He further added, “He passed out from (the) Air Force Academy in Hyderabad with a Sword of Honour in June 1981.”
Another IAF officer said, “He (Wing Commander Deepak) was very professional and had been awarded the 58 NDA President Gold Medal. He had been a test pilot for the Air Force.”
Another pilot, Captain Akhilesh Kumar, who was co-pilot of Deepak Vasant Sathe also died in the plane crash. He was married last year.
Meanwhile, as many as 16 passengers who were onboard in the flight, which was coming from Dubai under the Vande Bharat Mission, died.
Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, took to Twitter and said, “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. Have also directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support.”
According to sources, so far 127 people are reported injured and are undergoing treatment at nearest hospitals in the area. Of the total, 15 people are said to be in a critical situation.
The State Government also issued a few helpline numbers for the family members of people on board.
Helplines:
Air India Express – 1800 2222 71, Airport Control Room – 0483 2719493, Malappuram Collectorate – 0483 2736320, Kozhikode Collectorate – 0495 2376901
Stay tuned for further updates.
