Boeing has dispatched a technical team to provide assistance to officials investigating Wednesday’s incident involving Emirates flight EK521 in Dubai.
Boeing 777-31H, A6-EMW (c/n 32700) was flying from Thiruvananthapuram in India to Dubai International Airport when it suffered what the airline has called an “operational incident upon landing”.
A video posted online shows the jet skidding down the runway on its belly and the right engine detached from the wing. Additional photos showed black smoke billowing from the jet and firefighters tackling the blaze.
All 282 passengers and 18 crew escaped the incident but an airport firefighter died tackling the blaze. Emirates confirmed that 157 passengers left the flight in Dubai as planned, 107 opted to continue their journeys while 13 others decided to remain in Dubai for a few days before continuing their travels. Five passengers were hospitalised with minor injuries and the airline has provided a dedicated staff liaison to support them. One crew member was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Dubai International Airport was shut for around six hours while officials dealt with the incident, resulting in a number of flights being cancelled. Runway 12L/30R, where the incident took place, reopened on Thursday.
The United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is leading the investigation.
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