A severe thunderstorm at Kolkata Airport on Friday led to a major scare when lightning struck an Agartala-bound IndiGo aircraft. The plane was parked on the tarmac and was on the verge of taking off when the sudden strike occurred, causing immediate panic among the passengers on board.
Power Outage on Flight Triggers Panic
The aircraft, an Airbus A320neo, was carrying over 140 people, including passengers and crew members. The boarding process had already been completed, and the flight was preparing for departure. When the lightning directly hit the fuselage, it knocked out the aircraft's entire electrical power system. The sudden darkness and abrupt power loss created panic inside the cabin.
Two Ground Staff Hurt; Alternative Flight Arranged
As per safety protocols, all passengers were promptly and safely evacuated from the affected aircraft. According to sources who spoke to TrendKia, two IndiGo ground staff members who were working near the plane at the time of the incident were affected. They received immediate medical attention and are now reported to be in stable condition.
To ensure passengers reached their destination, the airline later arranged an alternative flight to transport them to Agartala. Meanwhile, the damaged Airbus has been grounded and held back for a detailed technical inspection to assess the extent of the damage. IndiGo has declined to offer any comment regarding the incident.
