Cabin smoke forces evacuation of JAL flight

Monday, 23 Feb, 2016 0

Several passengers were injured during an evacuation of a Japan Airlines flight after smoke filled the cabin during a snowstorm.

The Fukuoka bound flight was on the taxiway at Chitose Airport when it was ordered back due to heavy snow.

At this point the pilot reported engine trouble and ‘a strange odour and smoke were detected inside the cabin,’ a JAL spokesman said.

Local media reported an engine fire but this has not been confirmed by the airline.

The plane’s 159 passengers and six crew members were evacuated via chutes with at least four people taken to hospital, according to the airport’s emergency services.

The Kyodo news agency reported the engine first stalled after sucking in snow and an explosive sound was heard when the pilot tried to restart it.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.