New Delhi/Kozhikode, Aug 7 (TIWN) An Air India Express aircraft skidded off the runway while landing in Kozhikode and plunged into the deep valley below. At least 11 people have reportedly died in the accident, including the pilot of the flight, D.V. Sathe.

Among those killed were the two pilots of Flight IX 1344, authorities said.

Most on board have been evacuated and at least 50 injured, including 15 in serious condition, have been taken to hospital, authorities said.

There were 174 passengers, 10 Infants, two pilots and five cabin crew members on board the aircraft.

The flight was part of the Vande Bharat programme that has been bringing back Indians from abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Television images from the site showed part of the fuselage of the Boeing 737 jet ripped apart with debris strewn all over.

The incident took place amid very heavy rainfall in the area around 7:40 pm. Emergency services personnel were seen working in the dark and spraying the wreckage with water.