An Air India Express plane crashed and burned Saturday after overshooting a hilltop runway in southern India, killing 158 people, officials said. There were eight survivors.
The Boeing 737-800, arriving from Dubai, was approaching Mangalore's Bajpe airport, considered one of the most difficult for pilots to land and take off from, particularly in the rainy season.
The plane overshot what's known as a "table top" runway and broke apart after plunging into a forested ravine around 6 a.m. local time.
People living nearby scrambled over the hilly terrain to reach the wreckage, and began helping in the rescue operation.
All the passengers were Indian nationals, an Air India official said. Many were likely migrant workers in Dubai.
"Within 10 seconds of landing, the plane was fully vibrating and skipping, and then broke into pieces," survivor G.K. Pradeep told CBC News.
He said he was one of four people who jumped out after the aircraft broke apart, adding "it's a miracle" anyone survived. Pradeep spoke from the hospital, where he was being treated for burns to his hands and legs.
Bang reported
Ummer Farook Mohammed, who suffered burns on his face and hands, believes a tire burst after the plane landed.
"There was a loud bang and the plane caught fire," he said.
Officials differed on whether it was raining at the time. Pre-monsoon rains over the past two days caused low visibility in the area, officials said.
Indian Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said the plane's pilot, a British citizen, had more than 10,000 hours of flying experience, including 26 landings at Mangalore.
The Indian co-pilot had more than 3,750 hours of experience and 66 landings at Mangalore, he said.
Ottawa International Poets and Writers for human Rights (OIPWHR)
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