A SWISS flight from Delhi to Zurich was forced to undergo an emergency evacuation on the runway Sunday morning after an engine fire broke out during the aircraft’s takeoff roll at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
Emergency Evacuation at IGIA
The incident occurred at approximately 1:08 am local time involving flight LX 147. While the Airbus A330 was performing its takeoff roll on Runway 28, engine number one failed, leading to a fire breakout.
According to data from Flightradar24, the aircraft had reached a speed of 104 knots when the crew abandoned the takeoff. As a result of the incident, Runway 28 was closed to traffic until the aircraft could be removed.
Passenger Impact and Medical Response
The aircraft was carrying 232 people, including 228 passengers and four infants, along with crew members. Following an assessment of the situation, the crew decided to evacuate the plane as a precaution.
Most passengers and crew exited via emergency slides, though stairs were provided for a small number of individuals unable to use the slides. Six passengers sustained injuries and were transported to Medanta hospital for medical evaluation.
Airline Response and Next Steps
SWISS has established a task force to manage the situation and is working closely with local authorities. Local teams are currently assisting passengers by arranging hotel accommodations and rebookings, providing contact cards to ensure reliable communication.
Looking ahead, SWISS technical specialists may travel to Delhi to inspect the aircraft. This inspection is likely a necessary step to fully understand the cause of the engine failure. The airline is also working to find suitable onward travel solutions for all affected passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were on board flight LX 147?
There were 232 people on board, consisting of 228 passengers, four infants and the crew.
Where were the injured passengers taken?
Six passengers who suffered injuries were taken to Medanta hospital for medical attention and evaluation.
What caused the runway closure?
Runway 28 was closed because the aircraft had to be removed from the runway following the rejected takeoff and evacuation.
How do you sense about the safety protocols currently in place for emergency aircraft evacuations?
