‘Many Feared Dead' in India Plane Crash in Mangalore

A plane has crashed near the southern Indian city of Mangalore, with dozens feared dead. More than 160 people were said to be on board the Air India Express flight from Dubai, and some officials say they believe there are no survivors.

Local TV has shown footage of the plane lying on its belly, with smoke billowing from the fuselage. Firefighters doused the plane with foam in an attempt to put out the fire.

"There were 163 passengers and six crew members and we fear all of them have been killed," airport security official Rohit Katiyar was quoted as saying by Reuters.

There is uncertainty over how many people were on board the plane - and local TV reported that there might have been some survivors. It is also unclear whether the plane crashed before landing or after steering off the runaway.

Manglaore police superintendent Subramaneshwar Rao said: "Chances [of finding many survivors] are very bleak as most of the plane has been burnt out."

Another Mangalore police official told the BBC News that smoke from the crash site was making it difficult for rescue workers to gain access to the plane.

Mangalore airport is located at the top of a hill and analysts say it can be a difficult airport to land in.

The last major crash happened in the city of Patna in July 2000, killing at least 50 people.