LATAM A320 Collides With Firetruck In Peru

November 19, 2022

Earlier today, a LATAM Airbus A320neo collided with a firetruck during its takeoff roll in Lima, Peru. The right main landing gear collapsed, then, a fire broke out and the number 2 engine separated from the wing. All 102 passengers and 6 crew evacuated from the aircraft safely, but two of the three firefighters passed away.

The aircraft involved in the accident was CC-BHB, a 5-year-old Airbus A320neo, delivered to the airline in November 2017. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was operating route LA2213 from Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) to Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL). Due to the substancial damage the aircraft had gone through, it has been written-off and will be sent to scrap.

Investigations are currently ongoing to find out the reason why the firetruck was on the runway while flight LA2213 was departing. Reuters states that the prosecutors' office are investigating the incident as potential manslaughter.

Lima airport is currently closed, and is expected to reopen at 1pm local time on Saturday. Majority of flights have been cancelled, with the rest diverted to nearby airports including Panama City and Arequipa. A Volaris flight from San Jose to Lima diverted back to San Jose shortly after departure due to the incident.

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Written by: Sohail Sawlani
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