PIA flight with 276 passengers onboard narrowly escape huge disaster
Shares
In a harrowing incident on Saturday, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight destined for Madina narrowly avoided disaster. Sources from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) disclosed that shortly after takeoff from Karachi, a Boeing 777 en route to Madina experienced smoke emanating from its engine.
The captain, responding swiftly to the emergent situation, endeavored to quell the engine fire using an extinguisher. Subsequently, as the engines shut down, the pilot promptly communicated with the air traffic control (ATC), seeking permission for an emergency landing. With 276 passengers on board, the aircraft successfully touched down at Karachi Airport, averting a potential catastrophe.
Following the safe landing, a Civil Aviation Authority team promptly arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Standard post-incident procedures included tests for alcohol, blood, and urine for both the captain and the first officer.
A spokesperson for PIA explained that a fire warning in one of the plane's engines triggered the emergency response. The aircraft was then towed back to Karachi Airport for further inspection by PIA engineers.
However, the spokesperson clarified that no evidence of fire was discovered in the plane's engine, emphasizing that the landing had adhered to standard procedures.
After the incident, the 276 passengers were accommodated in hotels, although some opted to remain at the airport. Swift arrangements were made for their transfer to Madinah Munawara, with an alternate flight scheduled for 5 pm.
