Passengers aboard a Russian-made Sukhoi Superjet 100 experienced a harrowing ordeal when their plane caught fire shortly after landing at Antalya Airport, Turkey, on Sunday. The aircraft, operated by Azimuth Airlines and carrying 89 passengers and six crew members, became engulfed in flames, prompting a dramatic evacuation.
Terrifying video footage captured the chaos as flames and thick smoke poured from the plane’s left engine. Passengers, some clutching their belongings, scrambled to safety down emergency slides or dashed away from the burning jetliner, visibly shaken but remarkably unharmed.
First responders acted swiftly, directing streams of water from multiple hoses at the raging fire. The blaze was eventually brought under control, but the sense of urgency and fear lingered as officials began investigating the cause of the incident.
Local authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members were evacuated safely. “Thankfully, there are no reports of injuries,” Deputy Governor of Antalya, Suat Seyitoglu, told a local news outlet. His relief echoed that of travelers and onlookers who witnessed the frightening scene unfold.
The aircraft had originated from Sochi International Airport in Russia, landing in Antalya, a popular destination on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Officials have yet to determine what caused the engine fire. However, it’s worth noting that the incident coincided with a severe weather alert issued by the Turkish State Meteorological Service, which warned of heavy storms and potentially dangerous conditions in the area.
The sight of passengers fleeing the flaming jet stirred memories of previous incidents involving the Sukhoi Superjet 100. This is not the first time a fire has broken out on this aircraft model during adverse weather. The similarities have raised questions about the plane’s design and durability under challenging conditions, though no definitive link has been made.
Despite the terror of the moment, the swift and efficient evacuation demonstrated the importance of well-trained crew members and emergency protocols. Passengers expressed gratitude for the rapid response that prevented injuries and further catastrophe.
For now, aviation experts and investigators are working to piece together the factors that led to the blaze. Whether weather conditions, mechanical failure, or another issue played a role, this close call serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the resilience of the human spirit in moments of crisis.
As the sun sets on Antalya’s picturesque coastline, the image of passengers running for safety remains etched in memory—a testament to survival and a prompt for deeper investigation into air travel safety.The incident has reignited discussions about the safety record of the Sukhoi Superjet 100, a model that has faced scrutiny in the past for mechanical issues and reliability concerns. Aviation analysts are urging manufacturers and regulatory bodies to review the jet’s performance in extreme weather conditions to prevent future mishaps. For passengers who lived through the ordeal, the experience was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared, even during routine flights. As investigations continue, the aviation industry is once again under pressure to prioritize safety above all else.
