Saudi Airlines flight catches fire, emits smoke at Peshawar airport

All 276 passengers and 21 crew members were quickly evacuated to safety, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said.

Updated on: Jul 11, 2024, 22:54:54 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A Saudi Airlines flight from Riyadh caught fire on Thursday upon landing at Peshawar's Bacha Khan International Airport in Pakistan.

The Civil Aviation Authority and fire brigade acted quickly, putting out the smoke and ensuring everyone's safety. (Reuters)

All 276 passengers and 21 crew members were quickly evacuated to safety, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said as per Pakistan-based Dawn newspaper.

According to CAA spokesperson Saifullah, air traffic controllers saw smoke and sparks coming from the aircraft's left landing gear as it landed and alerted the pilots. They also informed the airport's fire and rescue services.

ALSO READ | Boeing 737 engine reportedly sucked and killed an Iranian mechanic in a ghastly accident

CAA fire vehicles quickly arrived and extinguished the flames on the landing gear, the statement said.

Saifullah said, “The fire tenders acted in time and immediately controlled the fire in the landing gear, saving the aircraft from a major accident. All 276 passengers and 21 crew members were safely evacuated with an inflatable slide.”

Issuing a statement on the issue, the airlines said that the aircraft was stopped, authorities were informed, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.

“Saudia clarifies that its aircraft, flying from Riyadh to Peshawar on flight SV792, experienced smoke emanating from one of the tyres during landing at Peshawar International Airport in Pakistan. 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. This includes repairs, along with comprehensive inspections and subsequent tests to ensure its safety,” the official statement read.

Despite the tense landing, there were no injuries. The Civil Aviation Authority and fire brigade acted quickly, putting out the smoke and ensuring everyone's safety.

Saudia Airlines assured the public of their safety commitment and mentioned that thorough checks and repairs are ongoing to bring the aircraft back into service soon.

Peshawar airport officials said, as per PTI, that the airport is operational and all flights will continue as scheduled.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.