Monday, August 15, 2011

New Delhi, India: 5 students awarded for helping avert plane mishap. Air India''s Boeing 777.

New Delhi, Aug 15 (PTI) Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today gave away cash award of Rs 50,000 each to five school students who helped avert a possible air disaster by informing authorities about flames coming out of a New York-bound Air India plane last month.

At an Independence Day function organised by the Delhi government, Dikshit honored the youths in recognition of their "swift action" and helping save over 350 lives onboard the plane.

The youths -- Kartik Bhandari, Jaideep Gosai, Himansu Soni, Manan Soni and Moulik Jhelani -- who were partying on the terrace of a house in Saket, spotted sparks and flame from the engine of Air India''s Boeing 777 (Long Range) plane and immediately informed police about it.

Their swift action followed by the urgent response of the police led the air traffic control (ATC) to clear the runway for the New York-bound Air India plane to return to base and land safely under emergency conditions on July 16.

Dikshit, while appreciating the act of the youths, stated that the award is just a blessing and gratitude.

Air India officials had, however, said the pilots had noticed flames soon after the take-off and already sought permission for an emergency landing from the ATC.

They said the boys could have noticed the plane when it was returning to land. The flight had 339 passengers and 16 crew members on board.

We are proud to have such youngsters, said Dikshit.


Original Article:  http://news.in.msn.com

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