LIMA, Nov 21 (NNN-ANDINA) — Jorge Chavez International Airport resumed normal operations following an accident at the runway on Friday, which left two firefighters dead, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MTC).
In a statement posted on social media, the MTC noted that passengers were already at the airport’s terminal halls to board domestic and international flights.
On Saturday, the Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation (Corpac) reported that maintenance and repair work on the runway lights at Jorge Chavez International Airport was satisfactorily completed.
In addition, Corpac noted that it has been dealing with the damage caused by the accident, as this is one of its responsibilities.
Two firefighters died on the runway of Jorge Chavez International Airport due to the collision between an emergency vehicle and a Latam airplane that was covering the domestic Lima-Juliaca route.
Passengers and crew were evacuated alive.
The information was confirmed by Lima Airport Partners (LAP) on a statement in which it lamented the loss of two lives.
The deceased were identified as Angel Torres (Garibaldi 6 Fire Company) and Nicolas Santa Gadea (Garibaldi 7 Fire Company). Both of them were members of the Aeronautical Fire Department at LAP Rescue Corps.
Another firefighter, identified as 31-year-old Manuel Villanueva who was inside the vehicle, is hospitalized in ICU.
After noting that it has contacted the relatives of the deceased firefighters, LAP said it is carrying out the necessary investigations to determine the causes of said accident and immediately implement the corresponding actions.
Meanwhile, President Pedro Castillo ordered a humanitarian flight to transport the family members of firefighter Angel Torres, who passed away while on duty at Jorge Chavez International Airport last Friday.
“I have ordered the Defense Ministry to arrange an humanitarian flight, the transfer from San Martin region of the relatives of courageous firefighter Angel Torres, who died while on duty at Jorge Chavez International Airport. To them, (I extend) my condolences for their irreparable loss,” Castillo expressed on his Twitter account.
