During taxiing towards the runway at Pune Airport, an Air India flight bound for Delhi collides with tug truck. The incident took place while approximately 180 passengers were onboard.
"The aircraft, carrying around 180 passengers, suffered damage to its nose and a tyre near the landing gear. Despite the collision, all passengers and crew on board are reported to be safe," an airport official told ANI.
Emergency procedures were implemented quickly, guaranteeing everyone's safety.
After verifying the occurrence, airport representatives said, "the passengers were immediately deplaned and arrangements were made for an alternative flight to Delhi."
An investigation has been initiated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ascertain the reason behind the crash. According to preliminary accounts, the aircraft was damaged by the tug vehicle that was used to manoeuvre it on the ground as it was taxiing. The operational procedures and potential errors that caused the mishap will be the main focus of the DGCA's inquiry.
Although the impacted aircraft was temporarily taken out of service for a thorough inspection and repairs and is again back in service, airport operations resumed without any major disturbance.
We anticipate more information as the inquiry develops.
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