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A Bombardier Learjet private jet, operated by VSR Aviation, narrowly escaped disaster when it skidded off the runway and caught fire at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Thursday at approximately 5:04 pm. The incident unfolded as the aircraft, carrying six passengers and two crew members, attempted to land amidst heavy rains in the city.
Fortunately, all eight individuals onboard managed to escape the fiery wreckage and were promptly hospitalized for injuries sustained during the incident. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties among the passengers and crew. Notably, no VIPs were among the passengers.
The aircraft, identified as a VSR Aviation Learjet 45 with registration VT-DBL, had been on a flight from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai when it encountered difficulties during landing. Reduced visibility of only 700 meters due to heavy rain at the time of the incident compounded the challenging conditions for the pilots.
In the aftermath of the accident, airport authorities temporarily suspended all operations for over an hour, reopening the runway for flights after receiving clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) at 6:47 pm.
While the Learjet 45 was engulfed in flames after veering off the runway, swift action from emergency responders prevented any casualties. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze, averting a potentially catastrophic outcome.
VSR Aviation, a New Delhi-based aviation company, was operating the ill-fated flight. According to its website, the company specializes in providing “safe” and “affordable” air travel options, particularly catering to corporate travelers and individuals in need of transportation to remote destinations.
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role played by emergency response teams and aviation authorities in ensuring the safety of passengers and crew during unexpected and challenging situations. Investigations are currently underway to determine the precise cause of the runway excursion and subsequent fire.
