Saudi Airlines with 297 aboard catches fire, emergency landing at Peshawar Airport
Peshawar: A Saudi Airlines plane with 297 passengers on board caught fire during its landing at Peshawar International Airport. The incident was attributed to a problem with the aircraft's landing gear.
All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, and no casualties have been reported. The flight, which originated from Riyadh, encountered smoke emanating from one of its tires as it landed.
Saudi Airlines issued a statement confirming the incident: "Saudia clarifies that its aircraft, flying from Riyadh to Peshawar on flight SV792, experienced smoke emanating from one of the tires during landing at Peshawar International Airport in Pakistan."
The airline said that the aircraft was immediately halted and relevant authorities were notified. "All guests and crew were safely evacuated through the evacuation slide. The aircraft is now undergoing technical evaluation by specialists," the statement added.
Images posted on social media by Global Defense Insight show parts of the aircraft visibly charred. Their post noted the immediate response from the Air Traffic Controller and Fire and Rescue Services, who extinguished the fire and prevented a major accident.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
