Passengers aboard Etihad Airways flight EY461 experienced a scare when the Boeing plane aborted take-off in Melbourne. Reports of tyres bursting and landing gear catching fire spread, but the airline clarified that the rejected take-off was a precaution due to technical issues.
Emergency response on the runway
Emergency services surrounded the aircraft and applied firefighting foam to the landing gear as a routine measure. All passengers disembarked safely and were transported to the terminal. However, the damaged tyres prevented the aircraft from being towed, causing delays at Melbourne Airport.
Etihad Airways addresses the incident
An Etihad spokesperson stated that the safety of passengers and crew is their top priority and expressed regret for the inconvenience. Efforts are underway to accommodate affected passengers on alternative flights.
Separate aviation tragedy in Australia claims two lives
In a separate incident, two pilots, Mark White and Simon Peutrill, were killed when their Sting S4 aircraft crashed into the sea near South West Rocks, Australia. Witnesses reported hearing the plane struggling for power before the crash. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident.
Aviation incidents highlight safety challenges
These incidents underscore the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation and the challenges of responding to emergencies. Both events have sparked discussions about ensuring safety while minimizing disruptions for passengers.
