Jets’ fire emergency leaves four injured

Four passengers were hurt yesterday when a Virgin Atlantic plane had to make a full emergency landing at Gatwick airport after reports of a small fire on board.

The four, who suffered minor injuries, were among 229 passengers on the Florida-bound Airbus A330 which had left Gatwick at 10.48am.

The plane returned to the airport and, because of what Virgin described as “a technical problem”, the captain decided to evacuate the aircraft immediately as a precaution.

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Virgin later said that all passengers and the 13 crew had got off safely.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it was called at 12.21pm to reports of a “small fire on board an aircraft”.

A spokeswoman said six fire appliances went to the scene and the plane made a safe landing with emergency services on standby.

Flights in and out of Gatwick were suspended until about 2pm. A few incoming flights were diverted – some to Stansted airport in Essex.

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Gatwick warned that it was operating a reduced service and some passengers could expect some knock-on disruptions and delays.

The passengers from flight VS27 to Orlando were looked after in a special reception area at Gatwick.

Lorna Willson, 23, who works in a building overlooking the runway, said she saw the immediate aftermath, adding: “I was just eating my lunch and I noticed the plane. They usually take off quite quickly but this one didn’t go anywhere. Then I realised all the chutes were out and there were lots of fire engines and police.

Airline president Sir Richard Branson, tweeted: “Very sorry to all passengers on board VS27.”

Virgin Atlantic later said: “We are working closely with the authorities to establish the cause of this incident. The safety and welfare of our crew and passengers is our top priority.”