Fire alarm on Jet flight, 26 hurt in emergency evacuation

Mangalore today news

Mumbai, August 27:  Passengers of a Chennai-bound Jet Airways flight were deplaned using emergency services after the pilot reported fire in one of the aircraft’s engine when it was on the taxiway of the Mumbai airport on Friday evening, airport officials said.

Around 26 people sustained minor injuries in the accident. Eight people have been admitted at Nanavati Hospital, while two of the injured passengers are at Sujoy Hospital.

According to reports, 153 passengers were on board the flight.

"Jet Airways pilot of flight 9W 2302 (Mumbai-Chennai) reported fire in one of the engine while its was on the taxiway. MIAL emergency services responded to the call. However, there was no visible fire," the spokesperson said.

The pilot alerted the ATC and a full emergency was declared. Taking no chances, the commander of the flight decided to evacuate all passengers.

Emergency slides were deployed and 153 panic stricken passengers were deplaned using the chutes.

Fire engines were rushed to the spot, but reported no visible fire.

While sliding out, some passengers were injured and sustained fractures. Most of them were given first aid.

"Well just like any emergency situation, the thing was to escape somehow and I too had the same feeling," said a passenger.

While another passenger said, "The crew handled the emergency very well. All were young people, just around 25 years old, but they were so well prepared and handled it very well."

After several hours, the passengers were put on the same flight to Chennai where the flight arrived a little after 2 am.

Meanwhile, Jet Airways in a statement said the commander of the flight proceeded to declare a precautionary emergency although there were no visible traces of fire.

"The commander on board Jet Airways flight 9W 2302 Mumbai-Chennai was informed of an indication of a fire in left engine. Although there was no visible trace of a fire, the commander proceeded to declare a precautionary emergency," the statement said.

All passengers were deplaned safely and a thorough inspection of the engine was carried out, it added.