15 passengers hurt after they jump off plane in the dark fearing it may explode; mystery over how flight went off course
VASCO
About 15 passengers were injured while 149 passengers and seven crew had a lucky escape when a Jet Airways flight 9W 2374 from Goa-Mumbai veered off the runway and struck the ground while aligning for take off at Dabolim airport in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
The 15 passengers were injured when they reportedly jumped off the plane, but a Jet Airways statement claims that “all guests and crew were safely evacuated. A few guests sustained injuries during the evacuation process.”
According to reports, the mishap took place at the Runway 26 at about 5 am as the Jet Airways flight 9W 2374, which had arrived from Dubai, was carrying 164 passengers and seven crew to Mumbai, en route to Abu Dhabi.
Sources told The Goan that the plane was in the process of taking off when the aircraft veered to its right from the runway and struck some rocks before coming to a halt.
“Both wings and engines of the aircraft were damaged following the incident,” said a source at the airport. “Though all passengers were safe, the incident triggered panic and around twenty passengers, including a pregnant lady, jumped off the flight after opening the plane’s emergency door,” added the source.
“They may have been afraid that the plane could burst into flames and jumped off the aircraft. While some landed on hard rocks, others landed on soft ground. The remaining passengers were later evacuated to safety.”
“Some injured passengers were referred to Chicalim Cottage Hospital, while others were moved to a private hospital at Chicalim,” the source added.
Emergency rescue services rushed to the site moments after the incident and authorities were also present to take stock of the situation.
In a press release, the Navy PRO said, “The ATC duty personnel on runway reported the aircraft leaving the runway and subsequently received a distress call. The aircraft came to halt about 250-300 metres away from the runway.”
“The emergency crew of the Indian Navy were immediately dispatched in rescue vehicles to the crash site. All personnel onboard were evacuated and medical aid on the site was provided by MI Room at Hansa. A total of 15 persons were injured and medical
aid is being provided by local hospitals,” the Navy PRO added.
“Flying operations were suspended till 9 am and the aircraft in the air were diverted by ATC personnel. Runway was thrown open after minor debris were cleared and a thorough inspection was carried out.”
The Navy also stated that an investigation has been commenced by Jet technical team and Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) members.
“All assistance has been provided by the Navy. Shifting of the aircraft will commence post clearance by AAIB. In addition, some salvage material has arrived Goa and rest will be arriving by road,” the Navy added.
Speaking to media persons at Chicalim Cottage Hospital, a passenger recalled that the plane had left the aerobridge and was about to take off when they heard a rumbling sound and moments later the plane came to a sudden halt.
“We saw smoke emanating from the engine and
we were scared that the plane might burst into flames
and we would die,” said the passenger.
Another female passenger added that when the passengers seated on the middle row saw smoke emanating from the left engine, they were alarmed and some passengers jumped off the plane and suffered injuries.
“The plane went about 200 metres off the runway before coming to a stop. We panicked at the thought that the plane would crash through the airport’s compound wall and explode into flames,” the passenger said.
In a statement, Jet airways stated that “medical assistance is being coordinated to those injured by the Jet Airways team and the airport authorities.”
Till late Tuesday evening, the aircraft was still grounded at the site.
