[Sportschosun Jang Jong-ho] A Turkish Airlines passenger plane was badly damaged on its side after colliding with a radar structure while taxiing shortly after landing at the airport.
The impact caused oxygen masks to drop in some seats, sending passengers into panic.
According to foreign media outlets, including the New York Post, a Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 that departed Istanbul on the afternoon of the 11th local time struck a radar mast at Antalya Airport with its right wing while taxiing to the gate after landing.
The collision punched a large hole in the fuselage, and some overhead bins fell down. It was also reported that oxygen masks suddenly deployed in several seats, startling passengers.
Videos and photos taken immediately after the accident showed oxygen masks hanging above the seats as passengers disembarked from the plane.
The airline said all 267 passengers were safely evacuated, and one person sustained minor injuries during the process.
Turkish Airlines said, "The health condition of the one passenger who suffered minor injuries has been confirmed to be stable," and added, "We have begun a technical investigation into the accident."
The aircraft was identified as a Boeing 777 that had been in service for about 17 years since its introduction. After an initial inspection, it was towed to the airport apron, and significant damage was reported to the right wing and fuselage.
Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances that led to the collision with the structure during airport taxiing.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
