Passengers of SpiceJet SG946 had a narrow escape on Monday after their plane overshot the runway at Shirdi. The aircraft was coming from Delhi.
All passengers are reportedly safe. Shirdi Airport Director Deepak Shastri said that the runway has been closed temporarily to facilitate rescue operation.
Information on the number of passengers was not available at the time of writing. A spokesperson said that passengers and members of the crew were being deplaned.
“On 29 April 2019, SpiceJet B737-800 aircraft operated SG946 from Delhi to Shirdi. While landing at Shirdi, the aircraft overshot the runway. Passengers and crew are safe and are being deplaned normally,” the company said in a statement.
The aircraft landed around 30 to 40 meters away from the designated area and veered off the runway.
Photos on social media showed the plane on a muddy ground.
Shirdi is a popular religious destination for Hindus who arrive in large numbers to pray at the shrine of Sai Baba and the revered Shani temple at Shani Shingnapur.
The airport is located 14 km from Shirdi in Kakadi village. It was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind in October 2017.
(With inputs from agencies.)