PIA aircraft 'catches fire' in Peshawar

Airline terms the incident an 'auto shut down during start up'

PESHAWAR: A Pakistan International Airline (PIA) plane was evacuated at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar after the pilot saw smokes rising from the aircraft’s engine.

According to airport officials, the B-777 aircraft flight 353 was about to depart for Karachi when the pilot noticed smoke after starting the engine.

Reports suggested all passengers were shifted to a safe location.



Picture shows passengers moving far away from the plane that reportedly caught fire in Peshawar. PHOTO: EXPRESS

However, PIA denied the reports, saying it was an "auto shutdown during start-up".

pic.twitter.com/YCF3ai9rIY

— PIA (@Official_PIA) November 24, 2016

"Please note that APU of a B-777 flight was auto shutdown during start up at Peshawar airport a short while ago," the statement said. "There was no fire warning in the aircraft. PIA maintenance staff is examining the aircraft which would soon be released for normal operation."