Mumbai Airport: A major accident was narrowly avoided at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday evening. The wings of two planes of Air India and Indigo touched each other. The incident occurred when Air India flight AI 2732 (Mumbai to Coimbatore) was backing up in preparation for take-off and IndiGo flight 6E 791 (Hyderabad to Mumbai) was moving slowly on the runway after landing.

How did the accident happen?

At around 7:30 pm on Tuesday evening, the tips of the right wings of both the planes touched each other. Both the planes were of the same type. At that time the Air India plane was going outward and the Indigo plane was coming inward. After the collision, both the planes were brought back for investigation. As soon as information about the incident was received, Aviation Department officials reached the spot and started investigation.

Air India issued statement

Air India spokesperson said that flight AI 2732 from Mumbai to Coimbatore was delayed because its aircraft touched the aircraft of another company while standing before take-off. He said that the wing tips of both the planes collided, causing damage to the wing of his plane.

As a precaution, that aircraft has been stopped for further investigation. The spokesperson said that all the passengers have been disembarked safely and arrangements are being made to take them to their destination as soon as possible. Information about this incident has been given to the authorities.

Indigo’s reaction came to light

Indigo spokesperson also confirmed the incident. He said that all the passengers were safe and they were deboarded after the plane landed. At present the aircraft is being investigated and the authorities have been informed as per the prescribed rules.