CANADA: An Air Canada passenger plane narrowly avoided disaster on Saturday night when it veered off the runway and caught fire during landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The flight, originating from St. John’s, was experiencing difficulties as it approached the runway, leading to a dramatic incident that unfolded at approximately 9:30 PM local time. The airport was temporarily shut down in the aftermath, as emergency teams responded to the fire and began evacuating passengers.
The incident involved Air Canada Flight 2259, operated by PAL Airlines. According to passenger Niiki Valentine, a malfunctioning tire caused the plane to tilt and skid on the runway, which scraped the wing and engine against the pavement. “The plane shook quite a bit, and we started seeing fire on the left side of the plane, with smoke entering the windows,” Valentine explained to CBC News. While the total number of passengers has not been officially confirmed, the airport statement assured that all passengers were safely evacuated and transferred to a hangar for medical assessments.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, no major injuries have been reported, and the emergency response by airport and fire services was quick and effective. Passengers were safely removed from the aircraft and later taken to a safe area where they received medical checks. The cause of the tire malfunction that led to the crash-landing is still under investigation, though preliminary reports suggest it was a mechanical issue. The plane’s emergency crew and ground services worked swiftly to ensure that everyone onboard was evacuated without major incident.
In the aftermath of the crash, the Halifax Airport was temporarily closed, affecting flight schedules and causing delays. While the plane’s passengers faced an unexpected and harrowing experience, their quick evacuation helped prevent further casualties. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety protocols and the efficiency of emergency response systems in ensuring the safety of passengers during a crisis.
