BOTH runways were closed at Heathrow Airport this morning (Friday) after a British Airways plane engine caught fire after take-off.
Seventy five passengers and five crew members had to be evacuated from the plane, which made an emergency landing on the northern runway at around 8.45am. No one was hurt.
It was the BA 762 service to Oslo, Norway.
The southern runway reopened at 9.30am, and the northen runway followed suit at around 10.45am.
A BA spokesperson confirmed the 'technical fault', and said they would be carrying out a full investigation into the incident.
"The aircraft landed safely and emergency slides were deployed and we are currently caring for our customers in the airport terminal."
Mark Freeman, Heathrow Airport Duty Manager, praised the decisive actions of the plane's crew, and the emergency services on the ground.
“Incidents like this are extremely rare but the team trains constantly to ensure we are prepared when they occur. I’d like to thank the fire and airside team, emergency services and BA for their calm professionalism in assisting passengers and making the aircraft safe."
Some flights were had to be cancelled, and passengers have been advised to check the status of their flight with their airline.
The airline is investigating the incident, and is working with the Air Accident Investigation Bureau to establish the cause.
Amateur footage of the aircraft in flight shows smoke billowing from the plane's right side.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed via its Twitter feed, @LondonFire, at 9.25am that crews from Heathrow fire station assisted the airport's fire service with an aircraft fire, adding that it had been put out.
The incident is not thought to be terror-related.
Did you see the plane in mid-air? Send your pictures to jack.griffith@trinitymirror.com
