Around 12.45pm on Wednesday, news broke on Twitter as people started sharing videos of smoke rising from a plane that had just landed at the Dubai Airport. This was the Emirates flight EK521 that was involved in an operational incident upon landing. However, the 282 passengers and 18 crew members on board, were all safe, for which social media applauded the crew members, airport authorities and civil defence teams.
Gulf News Facebook follower Simone Donges-Bdiwi replied on a post: “Excellent rescue... excellent pilot and crew... Great News all are saved... Alhamdullilah for keeping this country and its people safe.”
Another Facebook user Kate Gravestock wrote: “Well done! Emirates pilots and traffic controllers for getting the plane down safely and all the crew for getting the passengers off safely. A job well done.”
Many noted that timely action saved the lives of passengers. Gulf News reader Mohammed Ayoob commented: “One should understand the time period involved in the emergency situation. It’s only a fraction of minutes in which so many passengers were evacuated and taken a safety measure.”
People commended authorities for transparency and regular updates. Ismayil Manzil wrote on Facebook: “Very glad to see the authorities come out with a statement...”
But just as people sighed with relief, reports came in that one of the fire-fighters had lost his life as he tackled the fire. Saddened Facebook user Mian Abdul Khaliq commented: “What a life, some people die while killing other and some people die while saving others’ lives - salute to this firefighter. A lot of respect...” Facebook user Sairah Zakir replied: “...The real heroes of the country. May your soul RIP brother. Ameen.”
