Air Canada Express flight catches fire during landing in Halifax; Evacuations successful
Halifax: An Air Canada Express flight operated by PAL Airlines faced a landing gear failure while arriving from Newfoundland at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Canada, late Saturday night. The incident occurred around 9:30 pm local time and led to a partial fire, prompting an immediate evacuation of all passengers and crew.
Eyewitness accounts described the aircraft tilting to a 20-degree angle and skidding along the runway. Emergency services, including paramedics and the Nova Scotia RCMP, responded swiftly. An airport spokesperson confirmed that all onboard were evacuated safely and transported to a hangar for medical assessments.
The aircraft, with an estimated capacity of 80 passengers, was nearly full, though the exact number of occupants remains unconfirmed.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the landing gear failure, which may involve mechanical or procedural issues or external factors.
This incident coincided with a major aviation tragedy in South Korea. A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to Muan crashed during landing, resulting in 179 fatalities out of the 181 people on board. Video footage from the crash site showed the aircraft engulfed in flames shortly after impact.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
