China’s Tibet Airlines plane with 122 on board catches fire on runway; over 40 injured

Beijing (China), May 12: More than 40 people were injured after a passenger plane of Tibet Airlines veered off the runway during take-off and caught fire at an airport in southwest China's Chongqing on Thursday. The passenger plane was carrying 113 passengers and nine crew members were on board. "There were 122 people on board the Tibet Airlines plane that skidded off the runway in China's Chongqing, with more than 40 of them having been injured," said the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in a statement, according to Sputnik. The plane is said to be a 10-year-old plane with the registration code B-6426. "Tibet Airlines flight 9833, an Airbus A319-115, was damaged beyond repair when it was involved in a takeoff accident at Chongqing-Jiangbei International Airport (CKG/ZUCK), China. Preliminary information indicates the aircraft aborted the takeoff and veered off the runway. A post crash fire ensued, but all occupants were able to exit the aircraft," said Aviation Safety Network. Also Read | Delhi HC gives split verdict on marital rape, matter referred to higher bench All passengers aboard the plane have been evacuated and the injured are rushed to the hospital for treatment. People were seen running from the plane after escaping via an evacuation slide at the rear door. The flight was about to depart for Nyingchi in Tibet when the fire started. The fire was later put out by the emergency services at the airport. Also Read | Govt makes PAN, Aadhaar mandatory for cash deposits/withdrawals above Rs 20 lakh -PTC News