A SWISS international flight bound for Zurich was forced to abort takeoff at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after one of its engines failed and caught fire, leaving six passengers injured, according to a report.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when flight LX147, operated by an Airbus A330, began its takeoff roll at approximately 1:08 am. Shortly into the process, an issue developed in one of the aircraft’s engines, which subsequently ignited, prompting the flight crew to immediately halt the takeoff procedure.
The aircraft was carrying 228 passengers along with four infants at the time of the incident. Following the engine failure, the crew initiated emergency protocols and evacuated all passengers on the runway. Most individuals exited the aircraft using emergency slides, while stairs were arranged for those unable to use the slides.
Six passengers sustained injuries during the evacuation process and were taken to hospital for medical treatment. The airline confirmed that no crew members were harmed.
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In an official statement, SWISS acknowledged the incident and said it had established a task force to manage the situation. The airline noted that the crew rejected the takeoff as a precaution after assessing the engine malfunction. It also confirmed that passengers were being assisted on the ground, with efforts underway to arrange alternative travel or accommodation.
The airline further stated that its technical experts would travel to Delhi to examine the aircraft and determine the cause of the failure. It emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority and that it is working closely with local authorities during the investigation.
Visuals of the evacuation circulated on social media, highlighting the swift emergency response. The incident underscores the importance of established safety procedures and rapid crew action in preventing a potentially more serious outcome.