The tyre of a SpiceJet flight travelling from Chennai to Delhi burst when it landed at the Chennai airport on Thursday afternoon. All the passengers were evacuated to safety.
The reason for the incident is yet to be ascertained.
Flight SG-106 departed to Delhi at 1.43 pm on Thursday. However, soon after take-off, it was reported that there were ‘hydraulic issues’ on account of which the plane decided to return to Chennai. The crew declared an emergency. Having alerted the airport authorities, the flight landed at 2.26 pm.
However, as soon as the flight touched the tarmac, the right tyre on the rear appears to have burst.
Fire and rescue services rushed to the spot. It is reported that all 189 passengers were safely deplaned by the rescue personnel.
The main runway of the airport has been closed due to the incident. Flights in and out of the city are now using the second runway at the airport to land and depart.
Today around 1425 hrs tyre burst & hydraulic problem in MAA-Delhi bound SG106, led to its emergency landing. Aircraft landed safely but with another tyre burst on starboard side. All 199 passengers on-board safely deplaned and returned to terminal. (1/2) @AAI_Official
— Chennai(MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) February 8, 2018
Due to damage to main runway & aircraft stuck in taxiway near the runway the same will not be available for operations for at least 3 hours. Secondary runway is in use currently. Inconvenience caused to passengers is regretted. (2/2) @AAI_Official
— Chennai(MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) February 8, 2018
According to reports, airport officials have begun an investigation into what caused the tyre to burst.
(This is a developing story)