Emergency Evacuation via Slides After Kyrgyzstan Plane Landing Gear Collapse

A dramatic incident occurred at Manas International Airport near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, when a passenger plane experienced a rear landing gear collapse during takeoff. The left wing of the aircraft struck the runway asphalt, causing the plane to tilt to one side and jet fuel to spill onto the runway. The flight, operated by Tez Jet, carried 181 people who were evacuated safely using inflatable emergency slides. Some passengers sustained cuts and bruises during the evacuation.

The airport quickly suspended all arrivals and departures until debris and spilled fuel were cleared from the runway. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, and no fire was reported. Video footage captured by a passenger shows people, including a baby, sliding down the emergency slides amid screams and confusion on the runway.

According to an airport statement, the pilots managed to stop the plane as it was accelerating slowly, preventing a more severe accident. After stopping, the aircraft tilted onto its left wing, leading to the fuel leak. Firefighting teams remained on site to manage the situation. The plane remains stuck on the runway as investigations and cleanup continue.