Pune: A pushback tug truck hit an aircraft bound for Delhi on the Lohegaon airport on Friday evening. The flight suffered major damages in the accident. As many as 180 passengers onboard escaped unhurt.
The Air India flight was ready for the take-off from the city airport at around 4.15 pm. It was coming on the runway from the parking area when the pushback tug truck rammed into it. This left a big hole in the aircraft. The crew immediately alerted the officials. Considering the seriousness of the incident, the airport administration cancelled the flight and an alternative service of Air India was arranged at 9.55 pm.
The damaged aircraft has been left as it is on the tarmac to find out the reason and circumstances leading to the accident. The security department at the airport launched a probe into it. When contacted, an Air India spokesperson confirmed the incident. However, no statement has been issued by senior officials. Airport Director Santosh Doke was not available for comment.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the tug truck hit the plane when it was being brought on the runway. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is examining the aircraft.
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“This is a very serious incident at the Pune Lohegaon International Airport. This has raised a question mark on the security of passengers at the airport. The airport administration should study the incident and take care that such accidents do not take place in the future. Top-most priority should be given to the passengers’ safety. The Union Civil Aviation Minister should take serious note of this.”
–Dhairyasheel Vandekar, Aviation Expert
