Firefighter dies responding to Emirates plane fire in Dubai

A firefighter has died after responding to a fire on an Emirates airline plane that crash landed at Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, authorities said.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

03 August, 2016

Images showing thick black smoke coming from the jet were posted online [Twitter]

One of the firefighters who responded to a fire onboard a plane at Dubai airport on Wednesday has died, authorities said.

The firefighter "lost his life while saving the lives of others", said Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of the UAE's civil aviation authority.

"I salute his ultimate sacrifice that kept many from harm's way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

The Emirates airline plane crash landed at Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, sending black smoke billowing into the air and halting all traffic at the Middle East's busiest airport, authorities said.

The Boeing 777 jet, flying from India, made an emergency landing just before 1 pm local time.

All 275 people on board the flight were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported.

"There were 275 passengers and crew on board. Our main priority now is the safety and well-being of all involved," the airline said.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates, held a press conference at Le Meridien Airport Hotel Dubai shortly after the incident. He also issued a video statement confirming that there were no fatalities among passengers and crew.

Twitter Post

Images showing thick black smoke coming from the jet were posted online.

It was unclear what caused the fire, but the airport has since been closed and flights diverted to Sharjah International Airport.