The outbreak of the COVID-19 Novel Corona Virus Pandemic has instilled a new sense of appreciation for life, in most of us. The rising death toll due to this dangerous Virus has made us all realise how valuable health and life are, to us humans. Around 18 people have been declared dead and 127 out of the 190 passengers were injured after an Air India Express flight from Dubai skidded off the runway at the Kozhikode International Airport in Karipur, Kerala and split into two on late Friday evening. Among the deceased were also the two pilots while all the four cabin crew members were safe, confirmed the airline in a statement. Among the victims were four children: Sheza Fatima age 2, from Kallingal near Tirur; Azam Mohammed, 1, from Silver Hills, Kozhikode; Aysha Dua, 2, from Palakkad; and Shivatmika, 5, from Kozhikode. This Air India Express (IX - 1344) was a repatriation flight that was part of the Vande Bharat program which has been bringing Indians back to the country from abroad due to the pandemic. The entire nation is shaken by this incident.

My deep condolences to the grieving families... Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured! Salutes to the people of Malappuram & Respects to the pilots 🙏🏼 #flightcrash

— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) August 11, 2020

Several film stars across the country have been sharing posts on the social media page as a mark of respect to the departed souls. Now, 3 days after the incident, actor Suriya has now issued a statement expressing his condolences. His tweet reads as follows - “My deep condolences to the grieving families... Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured! Salutes to the people of Malappuram & Respects to the pilots #flightcrash.” Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has decided to accord a state funeral to Captain Deepak Sathe and the funeral will be held here later in the day. "The state has decided to accord a state funeral to late Wing Commander Captain DV Sathe (retd). His life has been one that will inspire many more young pilots to achieve the Sword of Honour and command over the skies," the CMO tweeted. After the plane crash, Captain Sathe's wife Sushma and one of their sons had gone to Kerala to collect his mortal remains, which were brought here in a flight on Sunday.