The Air India Express aircraft which was flying in from Dubai with 190 persons on board, including six crew members (2 pilots), veneered off the runway while landing at Kerala's Kozhikode Airport on Friday evening and split into two after overshooting the runway and plunging into the deep valley below.
Following the unfortunate incident that inflicted many casualties, many Indian cricketers expressed their grief over the mishap and put out condolence messages on their social media handles to express their solidarity with the family members of those who died in the plane crash.
India team skipper Virat Kohli took to Twitter and wrote, "Praying for those who have been affected by the aircraft accident in Kozhikode. Deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives."
"Praying for the passengers and the staff on the #AirIndia flight in Kozhikode. Shocking news," said Rohit Sharma from his Twitter handle.
"Praying for the safety of everyone onboard the #AirIndia Express Aircraft that's overshot the runway at Kozhikode Airport, Kerala. Deepest condolences to the families who have lost their near ones in this tragic accident," tweeted Sachin Tendulkar.
"My thoughts with the families of those affected by #KozhikodeAirCrash. The visuals from Kerala are heartbreaking. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured," said Ravi Shastri.
"My heartfelt condolences to the family of the Pilot who lost his life during the accident & prayers for the ones injured in the Air India aircraft at #Kozhikode #AirIndiaExpress," wrote Irfan Pathan.
"Kozhikode #flightcrash .. is there anything that this year won't see??" tweeted Ravichandran Ashwin.
Mohammad Kaif tweeted: "2 tragedies in Kerala today. First the landslide in Idukki district and now the #AirIndia flight that crashed in #Kozhikode. Deepest condolences to the friends & families of those who tragically lost their lives. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Stay strong Kerala!"
"Shocking news of the Kozhikode flight crash. Prayers for the passengers and crew. 2020 please have mercy," said Yuvraj Singh.