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An Emirates flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai crash landed at the Dubai International Airport at 12:45pm local time. There were 282 passengers and 18 crew members on board.
Emirates can confirm that there were 282 passengers and 18 crew on board. #EK521
— Emirates airline (@emirates) August 3, 2016
Six people have been reported injured, according to Khaleej Times.
All flights to Dubai are being rerouted to Sharjah and Jebel Ali, as per local media reports.
Some reports state that while landing, the engine on the right side caught fire and fell off. Reports suggest that emergency response teams were activated soon after the accident. Passengers and crew members were evacuated using emergency exits.
A statement by Emirates has confirmed that there have been no fatalities in the incident.
“We can confirm that there are no fatalities among our passengers and crew. All passengers and crew are accounted for and safe. We are expecting a 4-hour network wide delay, more information will be available on the Emirates website and social media channels. The main priority remains with those involved and offering support to concerned family and friends. Dedicated telephone lines are now active for family members,” the statement said.
We can confirm flight EK521 from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai has been involved in an accident at Dubai International.
— Emirates airline (@emirates) August 3, 2016
We are extending full co-operation to authorities & emergency services managing the situation. #EK521
— Emirates airline (@emirates) August 3, 2016
We will update the Emirates website & social media channels as more information becomes available. #EK521
— Emirates airline (@emirates) August 3, 2016
According to sources, 60 % onboard are from Kerala. All departure from Dubai international airport have been delayed until further notice.
Fire engines now #DXB #dubaiairport pic.twitter.com/MVdobzLvMI
— Krishna Bhagavathula (@kbhagava) August 3, 2016
Fire under control #Dxb #dubaiairport pic.twitter.com/ugRZpV22nm
— Krishna Bhagavathula (@kbhagava) August 3, 2016
According to Flightradar24, the flight is operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft. A source said that the issue was a “landing gear failure” because of which the airline was forced to do a “belly-landing.”
"I could see emergency chutes deployed when my flight was stationary," a passenger at the Dubai airport told TNM.
A statement earlier issued by the airline read:
“Emirates can confirm that today, 3rd August 2016, flight EK521 travelling from Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram, India to Dubai has been involved in an accident at Dubai International Airport. There were 275 passengers and crew on board.
Our main priority at this time is the safety and wellbeing of all involved and full co-operation is being extended to the authorities and emergency services managing the situation.
We will update the Emirates website and social media channels as more information becomes available.”
The official Twitter handle of the Government of Dubai, Media Office said,
Concerned Authorities at #Dubai International Airport are dealing with the incident at the moment to ensure safety of all
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 3, 2016
All departure flights from #Dubai International Airport have been delayed until further notice
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 3, 2016
Emergency response teams have been activated and all passengers and crew have been safely evacuated.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 3, 2016