New Delhi, 12 May (H.S.): A major accident was narrowly averted at Chennai International Airport on Tuesday after a fire broke out on the wing of an Etihad Airways aircraft bound for Abu Dhabi, leading to the flight being cancelled. All 280 passengers on board were safely evacuated with no injuries reported.

Airport officials said the Etihad Airways flight was preparing for take‑off when the pilots noticed flames on the aircraft’s wing. The passengers were immediately disembarked safely and given temporary assistance within the airport premises.

Officials added that firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and the flight was subsequently cancelled. Operations will resume only after a thorough inspection of the aircraft and its wing. Authorities have stepped up investigations into the incident, while maintaining a high level of security at the airport. At present, Etihad Airways has not issued an official statement on the incident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar