British Airways plane crash-lands at South African airport

A British Airways-badged passenger jet was stuck on a runway in South Africa after its landing gear collapsed on arrival.

Flight BA6234 became stuck on the runway at OR Tambo international airport, near Johannesburg, after touching down from its cross-country flight from Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, at about 12pm.

All 94 passengers and six crew were evacuated safely to the terminal building. There were no injuries, the airport said.

According to the Aviation Safety blog, the lefthand main landing gear collapsed as the plane landed. “The aircraft skidded on the left engine nacelle and wingtip before coming to rest on the runway.”

The stuck jet has caused delays to other flights at South Africa’s busiest airport.

“OR Tambo is currently using an alternative runway to ensure flights are able to leave the airport. For safety and security reasons we will have to close that runway [where the aircraft is],” said Colin Naidoo, spokesman for Airports Company South Africa.

The jet was operated by Comair, a South African airline. A spokesman said: “British Airways’ (operated by Comair) BA6234 a 10:35 departure from Port Elizabeth, with six Crew and 94 passengers on board, was involved in an incident on landing at @ortambo_int just after 12:00 pm today.

“We can confirm that all passengers and crew safely disembarked with no reported injuries. Passengers have been taken to the terminal building, where staff are on hand.

“Comair and the relevant authorities will be conducting the necessary investigation over the coming days and weeks. As soon as more information is on hand we will be releasing it to the media.” The Guardian