An independent investigation committee has been set up to look into what caused a Gulf Air flight to skid off the runway at Kochi International Airport in India on Monday morning.

A three member team, led by Indian Civil Aviation Authority safety deputy director Mr S K Brahmane, and appointed by the civil aviation director general, will be supported by officials from Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs.

A preliminary report is expected in one week followed by a final report in about six, Gulf Air said in a statement yesterday.

'Until then no official comments or statements will be issued referring to the cause of the incident,' it added.

'Speculation as to the cause of the incident at this stage would not only be improper, but also potentially misleading and incorrect, damaging to the feelings and/or reputations of parties involved.'

Gulf Air's support team and representatives from Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs arrived in Kochi on Monday evening.

The team includes technical representatives from the airline's engineering, safety investigations, A320 fleet and communications division as well as members of a special assistance team.

Team members will provide ground support to the operation, facilitate the recovery of the aircraft and co-ordinate with authorities investing the incident, said the Gulf Air.

Evacuated

The incident took place at around 4am on Monday when the Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers including an infant, landed in rainy weather conditions, a Gulf Air official said earlier.

The Bahraini pilots, aged 35 and 37, a Bahraini passenger, eight Saudis and a UK national were among those on board.

All passengers were evacuated safely as emergency procedures were employed.

Two Indian passengers were treated for minor injuries in the terminal building.

Another Indian man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of evacuation-related injuries.-TradeArabia News Service