LATAM Airlines A320neo Collides with Fire Engine during Takeoff

DALLAS — A LATAM (LA) Airbus A320neo collided during its takeoff roll with a fire engine truck during an incursion on runway 16 at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) at approximately 15:10 local time (20:10 GMT).

The aircraft, registered as CC-BHB, was operating flight LA2213 from Lima to Juliaca (JUL) with 102 passengers and six crew onboard. Initial reports state that the fire engine, an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle, was in a time-response drill, together with other fire units, running down Taxiway Bravo, located west of Runway 16.

During the runway incursion, the fire engine truck tried to turn around in the aircraft's direction to no avail. The subsequent impact destroyed the fire truck and caused substantial damage to the right wing. The right main landing gear collapsed, which caused the airliner to veer to the right, coming to a stop shortly after.

https://twitter.com/JacdecNew/status/1593726913788477440

No Casualties On Board the Aircraft

LATAM confirmed in a press release that there were no casualties on board. However, Lima Airport Partners, operators of Jorge Chavez International Airport, confirmed that two firefighters died in the collision while a third one is in a local hospital.

https://twitter.com/LATAM_PER/status/1593723683465744384?s=20&t=3eyleSkILTOMh0U7IBtEfQ

LATEST UPDATES

The airport has suspended all flights until Saturday at 13:00 local (18:00 GMT). According to FlightRadar24, over 400 flights have been affected as of 03:00 Lima time (08:00 GMT). In a further NOTAM issued, the airport extended its closure and would reopen on November 20 at 00:00 local time (05:00 GMT).

https://twitter.com/flightradar24/status/1593878321573646336?s=20&t=3eyleSkILTOMh0U7IBtEfQ

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Airways for updates from LIM.

Featured image: A LATAM A320neo similar to the one involved in the collision at LIM. Photo: Thiago Machado/Airways