MUSCAT: An engine fire sparked a rush to evacuate an Air India Express plane that was preparing to take off from Oman, leaving some passengers with light injuries, officials said on Wednesday.

Footage aired by Omani TV showed smoke billowing from the plane, which had been taxiing for departure for Kochi in India’s south, as passengers streamed across the tarmac. Some of the 141 passengers received “minor bruises”, the airline said, adding there was no fire warning in the cockpit and the smoke was spotted by another aircraft.

“While it was on the taxiway, another aircraft reported observing fumes from one of the engines. However, there was no fire warning indication in the cockpit,” a statement said.

“As a matter of abundant precaution... the crew stopped on the taxiway and activated the onboard engine fire extinguishers.”

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2022