Nagpur: In a dramatic turn of events, a major disaster was narrowly avoided when a US-Bangla Airlines flight from Bangladesh to Dubai experienced a critical engine failure mid-flight, putting the lives of 181 people at risk.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning when US-Bangla Airlines flight BS-343, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, encountered engine trouble shortly after taking off from Chittagong Airport at around 8:30 am. The flight was scheduled to land in Dubai by 11:30 am.
As the plane cruised through the sky, the pilot detected a malfunction in one of the engines. Acting swiftly to prevent a potential catastrophe, the pilot contacted ground control and requested an emergency landing. The request was promptly approved, and the plane made a successful emergency landing at Nagpur Airport at 10:30 am.
Efforts to repair the engine on-site proved futile, leaving the passengers in limbo. The airlines arranged for another aircraft to transport the stranded passengers to their destination. In the interim, the passengers were accommodated in the airport lobby, with provisions made for their meals and comfort.
The replacement aircraft arrived at Nagpur Airport around 4:30 pm, and the beleaguered passengers finally resumed their journey at 7:45 pm. Originally slated to arrive in Dubai by mid-morning, the travelers faced an unexpected delay of nine hours, leading to frustration and complaints among those affected.
Despite the inconvenience, the quick thinking and decisive actions of the pilot and ground crew averted what could have been a tragic incident, ensuring that all 181 people on board remained safe.
This incident underscores the critical importance of emergency preparedness and the exceptional skills of aviation professionals in safeguarding lives even under the most challenging circumstances.
