Tuesday, 16 October 2007

The collision happened as the aircraft taxied to the runway photo courtesy - BBC UK

The collision happened as the aircraft taxied to the runway
Sri Lanka airlines said that none of the passengers of the two aircraft were injured when the planes clipped their wings while taxing at the Heathrow airport. The airliner has arranged to accommodate its 286 passengers and 11 crew in hotels."What we know is that the plane clipped the wings of another aircraft while lining up for take off," a Sri Lankan spokesman said.
"We understand it is a minor incident, but are awaiting a full report from London."A spokesman for Heathrow Airport, the world's busiest international air hub, declined to immediately give further details on the incident but confirmed that an investigation had been launched. The two planes involved are a British Airways Boeing 747 departing for Singapore and a Sri Lankan Airlines Airbus A340. Heathrow's operator, BAA, confirmed there had been an incident at around 2220 BST and that there were no reported injuries. BA said there had been a "minor collision" involving flight BA011 and an investigation has started.

"No injuries were reported. All passengers have been transferred to city hotels until alternate travel arrangements are made during the course of the day," a spokesperson said. The BA spokesman added: "Engineers are inspecting the aircraft to ascertain the damage. He said passengers would either be given the option of a refund or spend the night in a hotel before leaving on the next available flight