Kozhikode plane crash: Residents ensured timely rescue at Karipur airport, saved lives

KOZHIKODE: It was the timely intervention of the residents, who rushed to the accident spot at Karipur airport that saved many lives. As many as 173 persons were admitted to various hospitals in Kozhikode and Malappuram. The condition of 15 is reportedly serious.

Riyaz from Balussery in Kozhikode, a passenger, said there were no special announcements during the flight. “I was sitting almost in the middle part, near the emergency exit. The flight took two rounds before landing. Immediately after the accident I was taken out by some people,” he said from a hospital in Kozhikode.

“People rushed to the spot after hearing a loud noise. They immediately started the rescue and messages were sent on WhatsApp groups to rush volunteers to the spot. Initially, officials did not allow us to go near the flight. Then they realized the importance of local help,” said Sahal, from Kondotty, a nearby area.


Ansar, who saw the aircraft falling, said he couldn’t believe his eyes. “Some passengers were ejected from their seats on impact. People who entered the aircraft initially saved around 50 persons. It took half an hour for fire and rescue personnel to arrive,” he said.

All passengers, except two, were rescued within two hours of the accident. The duo, who were stuck inside the plane, were rescued by 11.15 pm. People also helped the police in controlling vehicle inflow and paved the way for ambulances.

Rescuers said that the injured were first rushed to hospitals in airport taxis before ambulances arrived. The pilot was unconscious when he was taken out of the cockpit, they said. Rescue workers cut front part of the aircraft to rescue passengers. The injured were rushed to hospitals in Kondotty, Manjeri and Feroke. Since hospitals in Kondotty and surroundings areas have limited facilities and the area being a containment zone; those with grievous injuries were taken to hospitals in Kozhikode.