A Maldivian Dash-8 was evacuated on the runway after the windshield shattered.
The de Havilland Dash, 8-200, was rolling to depart as flight Q2-247 from Hanimaadhoo to Malé with 35 passengers and crew members on board.
However, the aircraft suffered a right-hand cockpit windshield crack after it was cleared for departure. After the windshield shattered, the takeoff was rejected, and the plane was immediately evacuated on the runway.
A national Maldivian Dash-8 rejected takeoff roll in Hanimadhoo International Airport due to a fire in the cockpit windshield.
Following the rejected takeoff, all passengers were safely evacuated on to the runway and airport fire and rescue team was on the scene. pic.twitter.com/wNqW3TOdHM
— AviatorsMaldives (@AviatorsMaldive) January 18, 2022
In a statement, an airline spokesperson said:
“While on the runway preparing for take-off from HAQ, a fire incident occurred, and windshield of co-pilot side was cracked. An immediate evacuation was done on the runway. HAQ airport Fire and rescue services attended to aircraft immediately. All 35 Pax and Crew on board were evacuated immediately.”