Almost 300 passengers on board a Saudi Airlines flight from Riyadh to Peshawar had a fortunate escape when the landing gear of the aircraft caught fire during landing at Peshawar airport on July 11, as per airport officials.
The plane caught fire upon landing at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport, stated the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as reported by Dawn newspaper.
According to CAA spokesperson Saifullah, air traffic controllers noticed smoke and sparks coming from the left-hand side landing gear of the aircraft during landing and immediately informed the pilots.
Simultaneously, they alerted the airport fire and rescue services.
Upon arrival, CAA fire vehicles successfully extinguished the flames on the landing gear, preventing a major accident, the statement mentioned.
“The fire tenders acted swiftly and managed to control the fire in the landing gear, ensuring the safety of the aircraft,” stated Saifullah.
“All 276 passengers and 21 crew members were safely evacuated using an inflatable slide.”
As per Peshawar airport officials, the airport is functioning normally, and all flights will operate as scheduled.
Sources have reported that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board has taken cognizance of the incident and an investigation team will commence their inquiry soon, as per Geo News.
