LIMA: A LATAM Airlines jet collided with a firetruck on the runway as it was taking off from the airport in Peru’s capital Lima on Friday, resulting in the death of two firefighters, the carrier said.
LATAM Airlines plane (LA2213) crashed into a truck while landing at the runway at Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru. Officials said all passengers on the plane were safely evacuated, and two employees on the ground vehicle died when it collided with the LATAM plane. pic.twitter.com/QpMTfxv2iH
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Peru’s health ministry said at 7 p.m. (0000 GMT) that 20 passengers were being treated in a clinic, and at least two were in serious condition. The airline said no passengers or crew members were killed.
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The ministry said 61 people had been moved to nearby clinics and hospitals from Jorge Chavez International Airport. It was not clear whether this was due to injury or precaution.
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President Pedro Castillo expressed condolences to the families of the two firefighters in a statement on Twitter, saying he was praying for the recovery of those injured.
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It was unclear why the firetruck entered the runway while the plane was taking off. The prosecutors’ office said it was investigating the incident as potential manslaughter.
