On Thursday, A Saudi Airlines flight from Riyadh caught fire upon landing at Peshawar's Bacha Khan International Airport.
The plane, en route from Riyadh to Peshawar, carrying 276 passengers and 21 crew members, experienced a fire in its landing gear. However, everyone was safely evacuated without any casualties.
Here’s What Happened
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reported that air traffic controllers noticed smoke and flames on the left-hand side of the landing gear as the plane landed.
They immediately informed the pilot and activated rescue teams. Fire vehicles at the airport quickly responded and extinguished the flames.
"The fire tenders acted in time and immediately controlled the fire in the landing gear, saving the aircraft from a major accident," said CAA spokesperson Saifullah. He added that all passengers and crew members were evacuated using emergency slides.
Airlines Statement
Saudi Airlines issued a statement saying that the aircraft "experienced smoke emanating from one of the tires during landing at Peshawar International Airport in Pakistan."
Left landing gear wheels of Saudia Airlines' Airbus Airbus A330-343 plane (HZ-AQ28) with 297 aboard caught fire (smoke) while landing at Peshawar airport in Pakistan on Thursday. Passengers were evacuated.
However, Saudia clarifies that its aircraft, flying from Riyadh (RUH) to… pic.twitter.com/SEnH0lrtpo— FL360aero (@fl360aero) July 11, 2024
"Saudia clarifies that its aircraft, flying from Riyadh to Peshawar on flight SV792, experienced smoke emanating from one of the tires during landing at Peshawar International Airport in Pakistan," it said.
"The aircraft was immediately stopped and the relevant authorities were notified. All guests and crew were safely evacuated through the evacuation slide. The aircraft is now undergoing technical evaluation by specialists," the statement added.
Investigation Initiating Soon
Airport officials in Peshawar state that the airport is operational and that all flights would proceed according to schedule.
Saudi Airlines flight 792 encountered smoke and a subsequent fire in the left landing gear while circling near the runway at #PeshwarAirport
All 276 passengers and 21 crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft using the inflatable slide.#SaudiAirlines #PlaneFire pic.twitter.com/2kXsXgRWdL— know the Unknown (@imurpartha) July 11, 2024
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Board has reportedly been made aware of the occurrence, and reports state that a team will shortly start investigating the matter.
A video clip showed people disembarking from the plane using the inflatable slides. The prompt action taken by the fire and rescue crews at the airport prevented a potentially disastrous situation.
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