A Vilnius airport incident occurred today as a plane veered off the runway. Passengers aboard a LOT Polish Airlines flight experienced a moment of fear when the aircraft skidded off the designated path, likened to a car skidding by one passenger.
Fortunately, as reported by LRT, no injuries were sustained, and all passengers safely disembarked after the incident at 1:43 pm local time following its arrival from Warsaw. To ensure safety, authorities temporarily closed the runway until 5 pm, with emergency services, including a fire engine, present during the disembarkation process.
One passenger, Nerijus, commended the calm behavior of both passengers and LOT airline staff, noting the orderly conduct and clear communication that prevented panic.
Another passenger described the sensation akin to a car skid, highlighting the abrupt stop of the plane without significant speed. Additionally, basketball coach Kazys Maksvytis, a passenger on the same flight, recounted how the snowy runway contributed to the aircraft sliding off during a turn with decreasing speed.
Although the airport has not confirmed the exact cause of the incident, speculations point towards heavy snow as a potential factor. Weather forecasts predict continued snowfall in the area into the following day, emphasizing the need for caution.