A British Airways Airbus A319-131, scheduled to operate flight BA921 from Stuttgart Airport (STR) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), was evacuated on the evening of June 8th due to a hydraulic leak.
The incident occurred during the boarding process, prompting a safe and rapid disembarkation of all 93 passengers and six crew members.
British Airways Ground Incident Stuttgart
The leak reportedly originated from a hydraulic line during cargo door operation by ground crew. This triggered a smoke alert within the aircraft, leading to the evacuation as a precautionary measure.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with 33 fire and ambulance vehicles deployed to the scene.
According to local news reports, the emergency response involved approximately 100 emergency personnel.
In addition to the emergency services assets, three police patrols from Reutlingen police HQ into federal police patrols were also involved.
There were no reports of injuries among passengers or crew. Five ground handlers, however, sustained minor injuries while dealing with the leaking hydraulic fluid. Four of these individuals were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
The evacuation caused a significant delay, with the flight being cancelled for the scheduled departure time of 11:40 pm.
Aircraft & Flight Details
The aircraft involved in the ground incident was an Airbus A319-100, registered G-EUPR. This is a 23.8 year old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the national flag carrier British Airways.
It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery in October 2000.
British Airways rebooked passengers on flights for the following day. The aircraft remained grounded in Stuttgart for inspection but resumed operation for a return flight to London on June 9th.
This incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols within the aviation industry. The rapid response by crew and emergency services ensured the safe evacuation of all on board. The investigation into the cause of the hydraulic leak is likely ongoing.
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