Passengers evacuated in plane emergency

Over 300 passengers had to be evacuated from a Pakistani Airlines flight at Manchester Airport this morning, after reports that it had caught fire.

The Boeing 777, flight 789, had landed just after 9am when police officers stationed at the airport were called to the scene, following reports that the plane had caught alight. The plane was on a scheduled refuelling stopover between Karachi, Pakistan and Toronto, Canada.

As a precaution, the 340 passengers and 12 crew on board were evacuated. Greater Manchester Police reported that 23 passengers were treated for minor injuries at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Though it was initially believed that the plane had caught fire, it later emerged that the plane's undercarriage may have overheated.

A police statement said: "The Fire Brigade attended but there is no evidence that a fire actually started, although it believed over heating may have occurred in the undercarriage."

The remaining passengers and crew were taken to a reception room at Terminal 2 at the airport, while alternative arrangements were made to place them on another flight.

(KMcA/SP)