Talofa Airways C.E.O. clears air on fiery landing

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 25 April 2018, 12:00AM

Talofa Airways C.E.O., Toleafoa Jeffrey Hunter, has assured there was no fire on board their airline that landed at the Faleolo International Airport on Tuesday. 

In fact, he said the wheel brakes had overheated and caught fire when the plane landed. 

“There was no engine fire nor was it engine failure,” he said. 

Toleafoa, while responding to questions from the Samoa Observer, said no passenger was harmed in the fiery landing. 

 “All passengers are safe, that is the main thing. There were around eight passengers. We will be releasing a statement very soon just to correct and clarify that it was the wheel brakes that overheated and caught fire when the plane landed at the Faleolo International Airport.” 

According to a source, fire services were on the ground trying to put out the fires and it appeared that some passengers were trying to jump out from the aircraft to safety.

Toleafoa could not comment any further on the details saying that they were investigating the cause of the incident further with F.E.S.A. and they will notify the media once they’ve completed their investigations.

The Talofa Airways head office has confirmed that there are no flights to Tonga or Pago Pago until further notice.

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 25 April 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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