Air India's Varanasi-Delhi flight with at least 153 aboard catches fire; 5 injured

NEW DELHI: About 153 passengers of Air India flight (AI 405) between Varanasi and Nee Delhi had a narrow escape when the nose wheel caught fire when the plane made an emergency landing.

The plane made an emergency landing on runway 09-27 due to hydraulic failure.

Upon landing, smoke was seen from undercarriage of the aircraft and pilot opted for evacuation. 'All pax evacuated safely but 4 to 5 passenger suffered minor injuries,' said a source.

Sources added that the plane did not catch fire but the smoke came out of the plane due to the excessive heat that is generated upon landing. "The hydraulic system would have some kind of oil on it. When the plane lands, it generates lot of heat that might have led to burning of that fuel. You can't call it fire," a source said.

Air India, however, said that there were no injuries reported.

“Air India flight AI405 Varanasi- Delhi had an emergency landing due to hydraulic leak. This resulted in few sparks at the nose wheel. There was no fire. All 146 passengers were evacuated safely and taken to terminal building. No passenger was injured. Runway 27 has now been cleared. All passengers are being served dinner and taken care of.”

Air India said in an email statement.