Passengers Injured, Smoke On Air India Express Spotted By Another Plane

NDTV News:

An engine fire sparked a rush to evacuate an Air India Express plane that was preparing to take off from Oman, leaving some passengers with light injuries, officials said Wednesday.

Footage aired by Omani TV showed smoke billowing from the plane, which had been taxiing for departure for Kochi, as passengers streamed across the tarmac.

Some of the 141 passengers received “minor bruises”, the airline said, adding there was no fire warning in the cockpit and the smoke was spotted by another aircraft.

“While it was on the taxiway, another aircraft reported observing fumes from one of the engines. However, there was no fire warning indication in the cockpit,” a statement said.

“As a matter of abundant precaution… the crew stopped on the taxiway and activated the onboard engine fire extinguishers.”

A relief flight will take the passengers to Kochi later on Wednesday, Air India Express added.

Arun Kumar, head of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, told AFP that “appropriate action” would be taken over the incident.

“All passengers were safely evacuated after smoke was detected in engine number two… We will investigate the incident and also take appropriate action,” Mr Kumar said.