Water tanker hits a Qatar Airways plane in Kolkata

A water tanker hit an aircraft as the aircraft was getting ready to take off for Doha at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International airport in Kolkata.

The incident happened on Thursday at about 2.30 am when the Qatar Airways plane was getting ready for take-off when the water tanker of Air Traffic Services Limited hit the belly of the plane.

Sources said that there were 113 persons on board at that time — 101 passengers, two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.

It was found out that the belly was hit near the engine and the oil tank of the aircraft. The Director General of Civil Aviation has been informed and he has ordered a probe into the incident. The driver of the water tanker has been suspended till the completion of the investigation.

An airport official said that the driver lost control and hit the aircraft. He added that vehicles inside an airport are to move at a pre-determined speed and route. Chances of an intended collision was also not being ruled out.

A statement issued on behalf of Qatar Airways said, "Qatar Airways flight QR541, scheduled to fly from Kolkata to Doha on November 1 was stationary and parked at its designated gate when a water servicing truck came into contact with the aircraft prior to boarding. All passengers and crew were accommodated in hotels and are being assisted to ensure smooth onward connections to their final destinations. We regret any inconvenience caused and are doing our best to have passengers on their way."