64 passengers and six crew members on an Air India Express Flight had a lucky escape. The aircraft hit an electric pole while taxing on the runway at Vijayawada international airport at Gannavaram near the city. The aircraft carrying the passengers had arrived from Doha. Out of the 64, 19 were to disembark in Vijayawada while the rest were bound for Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu.
Vijayawada airport director G. Madhusudhana Rao said, “While taxiing, the pilot took a wrong turn and hit an electric pole at 4.52 pm. All passengers and crew are safe. But the aircraft has suffered some damage and has been grounded. We have made arrangements for Vijayawada-bound passengers to reach their destinations. Also while an alternative flight is being arranged for those who were to fly onward to Tiruchirapalli.”
An Air India spokesperson added that all the passengers are safe. The airline has ordered an investigation.
Also Read: Andhra Pradesh: 7 dead in fire at coronavirus facility in Vijayawada