Avoka, others escape aircraft fire

Tragedy nearly struck the country’s aviation industry and political scene when an Antrak Air flight with some 40 passengers on board including the flagbearer of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and the Majority Leader, Hon Cletus Avoka, nearly caught fire at the Tamale airport on Tuesday morning.

Hon Cletus Avoka, who confirmed the incident to peacefmonline a short while ago, said the near-catastrophe was averted after the passengers and crew members were swiftly evacuated.

Kwabena Ntow of Filla FM in Tamale, an affiliate station of Peace FM, who was at the scene, reports that the aircraft was beginning to taxi for take-off some few minutes after seven when passengers smelt the burning of plastic from the cabin.

According to him, citing eye-witnesses report, within the twinkle of an eye, thick smoke billowed out of the cabin, but the timely arrival of the aviation safety personnel and fire tender staff at the airport ensured that everything was brought under control.

The Antrak Air flight with the inscription 9G-AAB was therefore grounded and the passengers were evacuated.