Passengers and crew evacuated from Pakistan International Airlines flight due to smoke

Airline Industry Information, March 1, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Passengers and crew of a Pakistan International Airlines flight were evacuated shortly after it landed at Manchester International Airport, UK, today (1 March).

According to the Greater Manchester Police, more than 300 passengers and 12 crew members were evacuated as smoke was seen coming from the undercarriage of the aircraft shortly after landing at the airport. The smoke was thought to have been caused by overheating as no evidence of a fire was found, The Associated Press reported. The Boeing 777 aircraft had landed in Manchester for refuelling on its way from Karachi and Lahore to Toronto, Canada.

Three persons were taken to hospital after the evacuation but no further details on the extent of their injuries has been provided, Reuters said. National Air Traffic Services said that operations at the airport were suspended for 15 minutes due to the incident.

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