Minor injuries reported among evacuees as airport firefighters bring blaze under control
KATHMANDU, MAY 11
A Turkish Airlines flight caught fire on its wheels upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport early Monday morning, prompting an emergency evacuation of all passengers on board.
Flight TK726, arriving from Istanbul, was landing at around 6:45 am when fire broke out in the landing gear. Airport firefighters responded immediately and brought the blaze under control.
The aircraft carried 273 passengers and 11 crew members, all of whom were evacuated safely through emergency exits. Some passengers sustained minor hand injuries during the evacuation.
The aircraft, which was reportedly also carrying some human remains and cargo, came to a halt on the main runway after the incident, disrupting international flight operations.
No international arrivals or departures were possible for a period as the aircraft remained on the runway before being towed to a taxiway.
Authorities said an investigation into the cause of the fire was under way.