On November 18, a LATAM Airlines The Airbus A320 collided with a fire truck as it accelerated for takeoff from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru. Two firefighters died in the incident, a third firefighter was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. This accident marks the first hull loss of an Airbus A320neo.
Chile LATAM Airbus The A320neo registration CC-BHB was accelerating on Lima runway 16 as flight LA2213 from Lima to Juliaca when it collided with a fire truck, which crossed the runway in use without clearance. The crew aborted the takeoff at high speed (approximately 130 knots) but could not avoid contact with the fire truck. Several fire engines and vehicles responding to another aircraft with flashing lights and sirens approached the runway in use, resulting in the collision.
As a result of the collision, the right main gear collapsed and caught fire due to the resulting rubbing against the runway. The aircraft veered right towards the right edge of the runway and came to rest partially off the runway approximately 2500 meters below. The fire broke out around the right engine. Footage shared on the internet shows a plume of black smoke rising alongside fumes from the right side of the plane.
“I express my sincere condolences to the loved ones of Ángel Torres and Nicolás Santa Gadea, brave firefighters who died in the accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I pray for the recovery of the injured.
President Pedro Castillo paid tribute to firefighters
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but no crew or passengers were seriously injured. A total of 102 passengers and 6 crew members were on board the aircraft and all were able to evacuate the aircraft. According to local reports, 4 passengers were seriously injured while 36 passengers suffered minor injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals. Two firefighters lost their lives in the incident and a third firefighter aboard the truck was seriously injured and is in the intensive care unit in stable condition.
“We regret to confirm that flight LA2213 covering the Lima – Juliaca route, operated by LATAM Airlines Peru suffered a ground accident. There are no deceased passengers or crew members.
LATAM Peru
Lima airport remains closed until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the earliest. As reported by Aviation Herald, the emergency vehicles entered runway 16 from the west at taxiway B without clearance and finally crashed into flight LA2213 as seen in the images below. Fire trucks were responding to another plane that had suffered mechanical problems.
The Lima airport authority reported that all passengers were doing well. An in-depth investigation has been opened to determine the facts and possible guilt.
Featured image via Twitter
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