Casualties feared as Air India Express flight from Dubai catches fire at Mangalore

BANGALORE - An Air India Express flight with over 160 passengers and about six crew members overshot the runway while attempting to land at Mangalore from Dubai and the plane caught fire as it fell into a gorge Saturday morning, police said.

Around ten people have been rescued and deaths are feared. Rescue operation were hampered by the thick smoke that engulfed the plane, airport authorities said.

The airport at Bajpe, about 30 km from Mangalore, which is around 350 kms from Bangalore, is in a hilly area and is considered one of the most difficult airports to take off and land. The area has also been experiencing heavy rains for the last two days.