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Two firefighters died after their vehicle collided with a LATAM aircraft taking off from Lima

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Two firefighters died Friday after their vehicle collided with a LATAM aircraft taking off at the airport in Lima (Peru), whose operations were suspended until Saturday.

“Lima Airport Partners deeply regrets the loss of the lives of two members of the LAP Aeronautical Fire Department in the accident that occurred this afternoon between a firefighter vehicle and the aircraft serving flight LA2213 covering the (local) Lima-Juliaca route that occurred this afternoon,” the operator of the Peruvian capital’s international airport reported.

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In addition to the two firefighters killed, another rescue worker who was in the vehicle was injured “in critical condition due to a traumatic brain injury”, according to the head of Social Security, Aurelio Orellana.

Operations at the country’s main air terminal were suspended until 13:00 on Saturday, reported Lima Airport Partners.

This implied the cancellation of numerous flights and the diversion of those bound for the Peruvian capital to Pisco Airport (250 km south of Lima), according to aeronautical protocols.

It also caused a real overflow at the Pisco airport, forcing more immigration inspectors to be sent and the air terminals of Piura, Chiclayo, Trujillo, Iquitos, Arequipa and Cusco to be enabled to receive international flights, according to the Peruvian immigration service.

Collision

“LATAM Airlines Peru reports that a ground accident occurred during the takeoff run of flight LA2213 operating the Lima – Juliaca route at Jorge Chavez International Airport this afternoon,” the airline said.

According to LATAM, which reported no fatalities among the 102 passengers and six crew members, the aircraft “was collided by a fire truck that entered the runway during its take-off run (…). We do not know the reasons for this entry”.

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Video images broadcast by local television stations show the firefighting vehicle being hit by the aircraft, an Airbus A320, which caused flames and damage to the rear of the aircraft.

“After the report of two aeronautical firefighters dead and one injured, the Public Prosecutor’s Office seeks to clarify the facts before the possible crimes of culpable homicide and culpable injuries,” said the Peruvian Prosecutor’s Office.

For their part, airport authorities said in a statement that they provided the “necessary attention” to all passengers, “who are doing well. We are also investigating to determine the causes of the incident”.

Lima firefighters said the emergency took place at 15:25 local time, for which ambulances and at least four units were dispatched.

According to images from people at the airport and others on television channels, the aircraft was partially engulfed in flames at the rear, with damage to at least one of the wings.

I was sitting at the tail of the plane, there was a very strong smoke, we felt we were going to lose our lives,” said Victor Adan Malaga, mayor of the southern Andean province of Sandia, who was on board, to TV channel N. “At no time did they report any failures,” he added.

“At no time did they report failures,” he added.

LAP’s reputation manager, Rocio Espinoza, expressed that they were collaborating with the authorities “and if it is the case we will assume the responsibilities”.

The head of Lima Aisport Partners declined to give reasons why a fire truck was driving alongside the plane, AFP reported.

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