A pushback vehicle caught fire during a pushback operation involving an Etihad Airways Boeing 777-300ER at Indira Gandhi International Airport in India, causing panic. While no one was injured, a potential major aviation accident was narrowly avoided at the last moment.
Frightening Incident at Delhi Airport
The incident that took place on Saturday at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, the capital of India, once again brought aviation safety into the spotlight. A fire broke out in the engine compartment of the tug vehicle while a pushback operation was being carried out for an Etihad Airways Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft as part of its departure preparations.
According to eyewitnesses, the heavy-duty vehicle responsible for moving the giant passenger aircraft from the parking stand to the taxiway suddenly began emitting thick black smoke and orange flames.
Flames Rose Beneath the Nose of the Aircraft
The fire starting directly beneath the nose section of the aircraft caused brief panic. At that moment, the aircraft was in the pre-departure preparation process and passengers were on board. Airport teams quickly intervened and brought the fire under control in a short time.
Authorities stated that the fire did not originate from the aircraft’s systems but from the mechanical components of the pushback vehicle.
Aircraft Taken for Safety Inspection
Following the incident, the Etihad Airways Boeing 777-300ER was towed to a parking position for a detailed safety inspection. According to initial examinations, no injuries were reported among passengers, the flight crew, or ground service personnel.
Airport authorities stated that the scene was cleared in a short time and that operations returned to normal shortly afterwards.
