Sudan Airways A310 bursts into flames after landing in Khartoum, 120 feared dead
Wednesday June 11, 2008
A Sudan Airways A310 en route from Damascus to Khartoum caught fire after landing, leading to as many as 120 fatalities, according to some reports, though it does appear that many passengers were able to escape.
The aircraft, believed to be carrying 217 passengers and crew, landed at Khartoum in the midst of a sandstorm and heavy rain, according to numerous reports. A Sudanese official said on Sudanese TV that "it landed safely. . .and [pilots] talked to the control tower which told them where to taxi. At this moment an explosion happened."
Video from the scene showed an aircraft completely engulfed in flames, but a number of reports from the scene claimed that 100 or more passengers were able to escape the A310 before it was overcome by fire.
According to Flight Safety Foundation’s Aviation Safety Network, the aircraft was powered by PW4152s and first flew in 1990.
by Aaron Karp