Emergency Evacuation: Six Injured as Swiss Air Flight’s Engine Fails During Takeoff in Delhi

In a distressing incident at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, six passengers sustained injuries when a Swiss International Air Lines flight experienced an engine failure and caught fire during takeoff on Sunday. The flight LX147 was bound for Zurich and had 228 passengers, including four infants, on board.

According to reports, the aircraft, an Airbus A330, accelerated to a speed of 104 knots (approximately 196 km/h) before the pilots decided to abort the takeoff. This critical decision came after the crew detected the engine malfunction, prompting them to initiate an emergency evacuation.

The evacuation process unfolded rapidly, with passengers and crew members utilizing emergency slides to exit the aircraft safely. For those unable to use the slides, ground stairs were provided to assist their exit. Emergency services were on standby, and six injured individuals were promptly transported to a local hospital for medical attention, while the rest of the passengers emerged unharmed.

In the aftermath of the incident, Swiss International Air Lines expressed its commitment to understanding the cause of the engine failure. The airline has initiated a task force to assist affected passengers with rebookings and hotel accommodations. Technical specialists from SWISS are expected to travel to Delhi to inspect the aircraft and determine the underlying issues that led to this alarming event.

Air travel safety is a serious concern, and incidents like this highlight the importance of stringent maintenance protocols. The swift actions of the flight crew during this emergency undoubtedly mitigated potential casualties, ensuring that the situation was managed effectively. As more details emerge, both passengers and industry experts will be closely monitoring the findings from this incident.

Source: scroll.in