Qantas Confirms Engine Failure as Fire Ignites at Sydney Airport, Issues Warning Over 'Severe' Heatwave
Engine Failure on Qantas Jet at Sydney Airport, Prompting Evacuations
A Qantas flight from Sydney to Melbourne was forced to return to the airport shortly after takeoff on Friday due to an engine failure, causing a fire and the evacuation of passengers and crew.
The incident, which occurred around 9:30 am local time, led to a temporary closure of Sydney Airport's main runway, resulting in delays and cancellations of other flights.
Warning Issued Over 'Severe' Heatwave in Australia
Meanwhile, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a warning about a "severe" heatwave expected to hit large parts of the country over the coming days.
Temperatures are forecast to soar into the 40s Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in several states, including New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, with the heatwave expected to last for several days.
Passengers, Crew Evacuate Safely from Qantas Jet
According to Qantas, all 145 passengers and 6 crew members onboard the affected flight were evacuated safely using emergency slides.
There were no reports of any serious injuries, although some passengers reported feeling unwell due to smoke inhalation.
Fire Extinguished, Runway Reopens at Sydney Airport
Firefighters were quickly on the scene and extinguished the fire that had started in the aircraft's left engine.
The main runway at Sydney Airport was reopened around 11:30 am, allowing operations to resume, although some delays and disruptions are expected to continue.
Heatwave Precautions Urged Amid Rising Temperatures
Health authorities are urging Australians to take precautions during the upcoming heatwave, including drinking plenty of fluids, staying in cool places, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
The elderly, young children, and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Qantas Flight Delays, Cancellations Due to Engine Failure
Qantas has confirmed that some of its flights have been delayed or canceled as a result of the engine failure incident at Sydney Airport.
Passengers are advised to check with the airline for the latest flight information and updates.
Investigation into Engine Failure Underway
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating the cause of the engine failure on the Qantas flight.
The ATSB will examine the aircraft's maintenance records, interview witnesses, and analyze data from the flight's black box.
