IndiGo Flight Catches Fire Mid Take-Off; Passengers Rescued Unhurt

New Delhi: An IndiGo plane was grounded at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after sparks were reportedly seen on the runway after the aircraft’s engine caught fire during take-off. The event prompted an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who also promised to take appropriate action.

The IndiGo flight, which was grounded prior to takeoff, was travelling from Delhi to Bengaluru, according to airport officials.

However, nobody was hurt, and all 177 passengers as well as the seven staff members are said to be safe.

A passenger who was on board during the event published a video on Twitter and described her experience as “scary.”

Tanu Sharma, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport), said: “Today, at 22.08 hrs, Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Control Room received a call from CISF Control Room regarding a fire problem in the engine of flight number 6E2131 going from Delhi to Bengaluru. The flight was carrying 177 passengers and seven crew members. The plane had just started on the runway for take off. It was stopped and all the passengers were safely taken out.” Officials said the passengers were eventually shifted to another plane.

The airline also issued a statement: “An aircraft operating flight 6E2131 from Delhi to Bangalore experienced a technical issue while on take off roll, immediately after which the pilot aborted the take off and the aircraft returned to the bay. All passengers and crew are safe and an alternate aircraft is being arranged to operate the flight. We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers.”