BA plane ‘crashes’ into building at Johannesburg Airport
British Airways has launched an investigation after one of its Boeing 747s crashed into a building at Johannesburg Airport.
The aircraft, with 185 passengers and 17 crew on board, was taxiing at OR Tambo when the wing hit a brick building on the edge of the runway, apparently slicing through the top floor.
Initial reports said nobody was hurt but later reports claim four people inside the building received minor injuries.
One of the passengers on board was Harriet Tolputt, head of media for Oxfam, who tweeted comments and images which have been broadcast around the world.
She said on Twitter: "BA plane crashes into building at J Burg airport. No one injured only the pilot’s pride. Not impressed that first class passengers get off before premium economy during an emergency."
A BA spokesman said: "A British Airways Boeing 747 was damaged while taxiing at Johannesburg airport. Customers disembarked safely and were looked after by our staff.
"We have launched a full investigation into the incident and are giving our assistance to the independent South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) with the matter."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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