MiG-29K aircraft skids, catches fire in Goa; pilot ejected to safety

Panaji: A MiG-29K aircraft caught fire after it skidded off the runway in Goa's Dabolim International Airport on Wednesday, leading to blockade of the runway for an hour, a senior airport official said.

A statement from the Defence Ministry spokesperson said the incident occurred when the fighter jet, manned by an trainee pilot, skidded. Goa airport operates from the Indian Naval base INS Hansa.

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"The fire on the aircraft is being extinguished," the spokesperson said.

BCH Negi, the Airports Authority of India Director for the Goa airport, said that the runway was closed for now. "It has been closed for an hour as of now."