Ade Akintonwa reports: "The Boeing 747 ploughed into the runway"

The Boeing 747-200 skidded down the runway at Madras after its nose wheel failed to open during landing, officials said.

Firefighters rescued the crew by breaking into the cockpit

Airport director Sudhir Kumar said the plane exploded into a huge ball of flames and was totally destroyed.

Firefighters rescued all of the crew members by breaking the plane's cockpit windows.

An Indian technician was taken to hospital after breaking his leg during the evacuation.

Airports closed

Indian authorities closed both the domestic and international airports in Madras immediately after the crash.

The plane was carrying 65 tonnes of cargo

"The debris will have to be cleared, and we hope to have the runway functioning by evening," Mr Kumar said.

The plane, loaded with 65 tonnes of cargo, was on a flight from Bangalore.

Air France officials said the accident occurred when the nose wheel got stuck and the aircraft ended up dragging along on its belly.

Mr Kumar added: "When it finally came to a halt there was a minor fire which we put out and got into the rescuing act. But suddenly the Boeing caught fire again and began to explode."

Explosions were reportedly heard up to three kilometres (1.8 miles) away.