Kerala plane crash rescue operation workers to be tested for coronavirus

Kerala : Coronavirus test will be mandatorily done on all those who are taking part in the rescue operations of Air India flight that crash landed in Kerala on Friday night, state's Health Minister KK Shailaja said this morning. He also asked the rescue workers to go into self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.

Eighteen people, including both the pilots, were killed in the tragic accident. An Air India Express flight overshot runway at Kozhikode airport and broke into two parts after crash.

"As a part of precaution, all those who have participated in the rescue operation should go under self-quarantine. Covid tests of all of them will be done," the 63-year-old minister said.

The state's health department is making a list of people who are taking part in the rescue operations at the airport.

"All those who are involved in the rescue efforts should inform the state health department. Either contact the toll free numbers - 1056, 0471 2552056; or control rooms - 0483 2733251, 2733252, 2733253, 0495 2376063, 2371471, 2373901," the Health Minister urged.

The flight was operating under India's Vande Bharat Mission to bring back stranded Indians in foreign land.

The flight was carrying 184 passengers on board when it crash landed. 127 have been hospitalised in 13 hospitals in and around Kozhikode.