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Passengers and crew relive the terrifying moments after the engine of their Riyadh-bound aircraft caught fire due to a suspected fuel leak
Mohammed Mir (30) was one of the 213 passengers aboard Riyadh-bound aircraft AI 849, whose engine caught fire as it was taxing down the runway at Mumbai airport yesterday.
"Till they told us that a fire had broken out, I thought someone has planted a bomb in the plane.
We spend several minutes in agony till the emergency staff rescued us. I am really thankful to God," said Mir, an Indian, who was travelling to Saudi Arabia on work.
A crewmember, who does not wish to be named, said, "I saw some people beside the runway waving their hands at us.
Then when I saw fumes coming from the engine, I informed the pilot. In a matter of minutes, the emergency units reached the aircraft and all the passengers were rescued."
Sources at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was caused by a leakage in the fuel tank. A detailed enquiry has been ordered.
Aerodrome and Air Traffic Control (ATC) General Manager M G Jhungare said, "A patrolling jeep spotted the fumes emanating from the aircraft.
In a few moments, the airport authority swung into action and all the passengers were rescued."
According to sources, 16 passengers refused to board the replacement aircraft. Airport officials did not confirm the development.
Similar Incidents
August 2009: Air India flight from Mumbai to Chennai, carrying 141 passengers had a tyre burst while taking off from Singapore
A Bangalore-bound Air India flight carrying 87 passengers returned to Mumbai airport after it developed a technical snag in the same month.
A major catastrophe at the Mumbai international airport was narrowly missed this morning when the engine on a Riyadh bound Boeing 747 Air India flight caught fire while the craft was taxiing to the runway.
AI 829 carrying 213 passengers was preparing for takeoff when a passenger noticed a spark go off on the right side of the craft and immediately informed the attendant who in turn alerted the pilot and takeoff was aborted.
All passengers were evacuated to safety via slides and were taken back to the terminal while fire officials continued to work on the aircraft. | 
