In the midst of Storm Babet's continued rampage across the UK, a TUI flight skidded off the runway during its landing at Leeds Bradford Airport earlier today, resulting in a dramatic emergency response. This weather system has already claimed two lives in its path of destruction.
The incident unfolded as Flight TOM3551, which had departed earlier from Corfu, made its descent amidst fierce winds. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft veered off the runway and came to a halt on the adjacent grassy terrain.
At approximately 1:53pm, the airport's emergency alert system was triggered as the aircraft careened off the runway. Footage from the scene revealed the swift arrival of emergency vehicles, including three ambulances, which were immediately mobilized to assist and evacuate passengers.
Storm Babet's wrath has been unrelenting, with widespread chaos sweeping through Britain. This has led to roads being transformed into waterways, seaside towns enveloped in sea foam, and the confirmation of a second fatality linked to the storm's impact.
In response to the incident, all flights to and from Leeds Bradford Airport were temporarily suspended, with incoming flights redirected to alternate airports, including Manchester.
A significant emergency response operation is currently underway, comprising numerous ambulances and specialized resources from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the Yorkshire Ambulance Services' Hazardous Area Response Team. As of now, no injuries have been reported, according to TUI.
A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford Airport confirmed the incident, stating, "We can confirm TUI flight TOM3551 arriving from Corfu at LBA this afternoon has moved off the runway while landing. We are working closely with the airline, relevant operations teams, and emergency authorities to address this situation and ensure the safe removal of passengers from the aircraft."
The Boeing 737-800 involved in the incident has a maximum passenger capacity of 189 and is typically employed by TUI for short and medium-haul flights.
A TUI spokesperson commented on the incident, saying, "We are aware of an incident at Leeds Bradford Airport this afternoon, in which upon landing flight TOM3551 slightly veered off while turning into the taxiway. There are no reported injuries, and our ground team is on hand to support passengers as they disembark."
