SriLankan Airlines jet struck by lightning after takeoff, lands safely in Colombo

A SriLankan Airlines flight from Colombo to Sydney was hit by lightning over the weekend during takeoff from Colombo, damaging the aircraft’s left engine. The plane was an Airbus A330-243.

After the strike, the crew turned back and returned to the airport. The airline said the aircraft landed safely about an hour later.

There were 207 passengers and 16 crew members on board, and no injuries were reported. Video circulating on social media showed flames coming from the engine, and images after landing showed the damaged engine.