In a harrowing incident on Saturday, a Pakistan International Airlines(PIA) flight destined for Madina narrowly avoided disaster. Sources fromthe Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) disclosed that shortly after takeofffrom Karachi, a Boeing 777 en route to Madina experienced smoke emanatingfrom its engine.
The captain, responding swiftly to the emergent situation, endeavored toquell the engine fire using an extinguisher. Subsequently, as the enginesshut down, the pilot promptly communicated with the air traffic control(ATC), seeking permission for an emergency landing. With 276 passengers onboard, the aircraft successfully touched down at Karachi Airport, avertinga potential catastrophe.
Following the safe landing, a Civil Aviation Authority team promptlyarrived at the scene to assess the situation. Standard post-incidentprocedures included tests for alcohol, blood, and urine for both thecaptain and the first officer.
A spokesperson for PIA explained that a fire warning in one of the plane’sengines triggered the emergency response. The aircraft was then towed backto Karachi Airport for further inspection by PIA engineers.
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However, the spokesperson clarified that no evidence of fire was discoveredin the plane’s engine, emphasizing that the landing had adhered to standardprocedures.
After the incident, the 276 passengers were accommodated in hotels,although some opted to remain at the airport. Swift arrangements were madefor their transfer to Madinah Munawara, with an alternate flight scheduledfor 5 pm.