PASSENGERS have been forced to disembark from a plane after it collided with a tow vehicle shortly before take off, sparking chaos.
Emergency services were called to the tarmac at Manchester Airport this morning after an Easyjet flight to Lanzarote collided with a ground vehicle.
The plane was preparing to leave from Terminal 1 at the airport before passengers were forced to leave the aircraft following the crash.
It is understood that a tow vehicle operated by easyJet collided with the front wheels of the plane while pushing it off the stand.
Dozens of disappointed holidaymakers were removed from the plane as a massive emergency response arrived on scene.
Passengers were taken back to the terminal and provided with refreshments as safety checks on the plane were carried out.
A huge emergency response was seen by witnesses with photos of the scene showing dozens of blue light vehicles parked on the tarmac.
Flight EZY 2029 was due to leave at 7am but was delayed by the collision.
Passengers are expected to depart on a separate flight later this afternoon.
A Manchester Airport Spokesperson told The Sun that the huge emergency response was standard practice for any minor events on the runway.
Disembarking passengers after an aircraft collision is also understood to be standard practice at the airport.
An Easyjet spokesperson told The Sun: “Flight EZY2029 from Manchester to Lanzarote this morning has been delayed departing after the tug came into contact with the aircraft during pushback from the terminal.
“Emergency services attended the aircraft as a precautionary and routine measure only.
“Passengers disembarked and returned to the terminal where we are providing refreshments while we arrange for an alternative aircraft to operate the flight this afternoon.
“Safety is our highest priority and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delay.”
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