Flamingo Collision Near Mumbai Claims 36 Lives
A tragic incident unfolded near Mumbai on Monday evening when at least 36 flamingos perished after colliding with an Emirates flight. Sources indicate that the migratory birds struck Emirates flight EK508 as it approached Mumbai Airport. The impact caused damage to the aircraft, but thankfully, all passengers and crew members disembarked safely.
Following the incident, authorities conducted searches throughout the night and recovered approximately 29 flamingo carcasses. On Tuesday morning, an additional four to five flamingo bodies were found in the vicinity.
The incident has saddened many, as the wetlands along the coast of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai serve as important habitats for these migratory birds. Flamingos typically arrive in these areas in December and remain visible through March and April.
Emirates Responds to Incident
Responding to the incident, an official statement from Emirates confirmed that flight EK508 from Dubai to Mumbai was involved in a bird strike upon landing. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members disembarked without any injuries.
However, the airline expressed regret over the loss of flamingo lives and is cooperating with the authorities in investigating the matter. Emirates also revealed that the aircraft sustained damage, resulting in the cancellation of the return flight, EK509, which was scheduled to depart for Dubai on May 20.
The airline has apologized for the inconvenience and has assured that all passengers and crew members were accommodated overnight. A replacement aircraft has been arranged and is scheduled to depart Mumbai on May 21 at 9:00 pm local time.
Safety Remains Paramount
Emirates emphasized that the safety of their passengers and crew is their highest priority and will not be compromised. The incident has brought attention to the challenges posed by wildlife encounters during aircraft operations.
Authorities are investigating the matter further to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
