A Turkish Airlines passenger jet caught fire while landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Sunday. The incident occurred during the aircraft's descent, with flames erupting from the rear section. Emergency services responded swiftly, and all passengers and crew were evacuated safely.
Details of the Incident
The aircraft, a Boeing 777, was arriving from Istanbul when the fire broke out. Airport authorities confirmed that the plane skidded off the runway before coming to a halt. Firefighters and rescue teams rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames. No injuries were reported among the 200 passengers and crew members.
Cause Under Investigation
Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest a possible technical malfunction or landing gear failure. The airport was temporarily closed, but operations resumed after the aircraft was removed.
Turkish Airlines expressed gratitude for the swift response and assured full cooperation with investigators. The airline also stated that it would provide support to affected passengers.
Previous Incidents at the Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport has a history of challenging landings due to its location in a valley surrounded by mountains. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at the airport, which has seen several accidents in recent years.
Passengers described moments of panic as the fire erupted. "We felt a jolt, and then saw flames out of the window. Everyone was terrified but the crew handled it well," one passenger said.
The aircraft has been grounded for inspection, and flights to and from Istanbul have been temporarily suspended pending further investigation.
