Engine Failure During Takeoff: Six Injured in Swiss Air Flight Incident at Delhi Airport
In a startling incident at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, six passengers sustained injuries when a Swiss International Air Lines flight faced an engine failure and caught fire during takeoff. The flight, designated LX147, was en route from Delhi to Zurich and had a total of 228 passengers, including four infants, aboard when the emergency unfolded on Sunday.
According to reports, the Airbus A330 aircraft had accelerated to a speed of 104 knots (approximately 196 km/h) before the pilots made the critical decision to abort the takeoff. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 confirmed the speed at which the situation escalated. Following the engine failure, the crew acted swiftly, opting for an emergency evacuation as a precautionary measure.
Passengers and crew were evacuated from the aircraft using emergency slides, while additional stairs were provided for those who required assistance. Unfortunately, during this tumultuous evacuation process, six individuals suffered injuries and were subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical attention. Fortunately, the crew of the flight emerged unscathed, thanks to their prompt response and efficient execution of emergency protocols.
In the aftermath of the incident, Swiss International Air Lines has expressed its commitment to understanding the root cause of the engine failure. The airline has established a dedicated task force to assist the affected passengers, which includes arrangements for rebookings and hotel accommodations. A statement from the airline acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that technical experts would be dispatched to Delhi to conduct a thorough inspection of the aircraft.
This incident has raised concerns about aviation safety, particularly given the number of passengers onboard a flight of this scale. Passengers were understandably shaken, and many took to social media to share their experiences, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in the aviation industry. As investigations continue, both the airline and relevant authorities are poised to analyze the incident closely to ensure that such occurrences are prevented in the future.