Engine fire on Swiss flight forces aborted takeoff at India’s busiest airport, prompting safety probe
An aircraft fire at Indira Gandhi International Airport triggered a chaotic emergency evacuation early Sunday, leaving at least six passengers injured after a Swiss-bound flight aborted takeoff due to an engine malfunction.
According to initial reports, the incident involved a flight operated by Swiss International Air Lines that was preparing to depart from New Delhi to Zurich. The aircraft had begun accelerating on the runway when one of its engines reportedly caught fire, forcing pilots to halt the takeoff immediately.
Crew members initiated emergency evacuation protocols, deploying slides as passengers were instructed to exit the aircraft swiftly. However, the urgency of the situation led to panic among some travelers, resulting in a stampede-like scenario both inside the cabin and on the runway.
At least six passengers sustained injuries during the evacuation process. Authorities said the injuries were primarily caused by overcrowding and the rush to disembark. Emergency responders and airport medical teams quickly arrived at the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. No fatalities have been reported.
Airport officials confirmed that emergency services acted promptly to contain the situation and secure the aircraft. The affected plane has since been grounded for a comprehensive technical inspection, while flight operations at the airport resumed shortly after the incident with minimal disruption.
India’s aviation authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the engine fire. The probe will also examine whether all safety protocols were followed during the evacuation and assess the effectiveness of emergency response measures.
Such incidents, while rare, highlight the critical importance of aircraft maintenance, crew training, and passenger awareness during emergencies. Aviation experts note that aborted takeoffs due to engine failure are standard safety procedures, but evacuation-related injuries often occur due to panic rather than the initial technical fault.
Officials have yet to release detailed information regarding the total number of passengers on board or the current medical status of those injured. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
The incident adds to ongoing global scrutiny over aviation safety standards and emergency preparedness, particularly at major international hubs handling high passenger volumes.
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