Bhubaneswar-Mumbai Airbus grounded;passengers escape unhurt

Bhubaneswar, May 27 (UNI) All the 114 passengers of Indian Bhubaneswar-Mumbai Airbus 320 had a providential escape this noon when the plane was grounded after hitting a bird during take off at the Biju Patnaik airport here.

Airport sources said the IC 169 with 114 passengers and crew members was about to take off at 1455 hours when it hit a bird on the runway causing damage to the tyres. The pilot was forced to ground the plane to avoid a major mishap.

However, no passenger was hurt in the accident. Airport officials immediately rushed to the site and the passengers were asked to disembark.

The plane was then brought back to the terminal. Arrangements are being made by the authorities to send the passengers to Mumbai.

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