RAWALPINDI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Airbus A320 was temporarily grounded after a tractor, pulling a luggage trolley, rammed into its rear section, damaging its body and VHF antenna at the Islamabad International Airport (IIA).

The tractor’s driver, Mohammad Niaz, lost consciousness due to high blood pressure while driving as a result of which the vehicle veered off the track, crashing into a catering van and the plane’s cargo section.

According to sources, after hitting the plane, the tractor came to a halt near Passenger Bridge 8. Mr Niaz was immediately shifted to the hospital by the security and ground handling staff.

Initial medical report suggested that the tractor driver’s blood pressure and sugar level had shot up due to which he fell unconscious and lost control over the vehicle. His condition is now stable.

Consequently, flight PK-261 to Abu Dhabi was cancelled.

A senior aviation expert said the aircraft will not be removed from the site until teams from the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) and Airworthiness collect the required evidence.

Later, the aircraft will be shifted to a vacant area for repair and inspection.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2021