16 killed after Air India flight skids off the runway in Calicut

International desk: At least 16 people have been killed after an Air India plane skidded off the airport and break into two pieces in southern Indian state of Kerala on Friday.

Indian media reports quoting officials said the aircraft, enroute from Dubai, skidded off the runway and broke in two at Calicut airport upon landing amid heavy rain.

Most people on board the Boeing 737 jet have been evacuated, with at least 35 of them taken to hospital with injuries, authorities said.

The airline said 184 passengers – including 10 children and seven crew members, were aboard the airplane.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “pained by the plane accident”.

The flight was being operated by the government to repatriate Indians stuck overseas during the coronavirus pandemic.