TORONTO: A private airline flight travelling from Toronto to Karachi was forced to return to Toronto airport just 12 minutes after takeoff after a fire warning was detected in the aircraft’s cargo hold, according to sources.
The incident involved flight PK-784, which had departed Toronto for Karachi. Sources said the pilot received a fire warning on the aircraft’s panel shortly after takeoff, prompting the crew to return to the airport as a precautionary measure.
The aircraft landed back at Toronto airport approximately 12 minutes after departure.
Fire Brigade Deployed
Following the warning, emergency arrangements were activated at the airport.
Fire brigade vehicles were dispatched to the runway in anticipation of the aircraft’s return. Firefighters subsequently began inspecting the aircraft, with particular attention being given to the cargo hold where the fire warning had reportedly originated.
It was not immediately clear whether an actual fire had broken out in the cargo compartment or whether the warning had been triggered by a technical fault.
130 Passengers on Board
According to sources, 130 passengers were travelling on the aircraft at the time of the incident.
After the aircraft returned to the airport, the passengers were moved from the plane to the airport lounge.
Airport and airline personnel are assessing the situation while emergency crews inspect the aircraft and attempt to determine the cause of the warning.
The flight had been scheduled to travel from Toronto to Karachi, with the aircraft originally expected to land at Karachi airport on Monday afternoon.
The return to Toronto was carried out as a precautionary measure following the fire indication received by the flight crew.
Further information regarding the technical condition of the aircraft, the cause of the warning and the rescheduling of the flight is expected after the inspection is completed.
At present, airport emergency personnel remain engaged in checking the aircraft’s cargo hold, while the passengers remain at the airport lounge awaiting further instructions from the airline.
About The Author
