EasyJet plane grounded after colliding with tug at Manchester Airport

Passengers had to leave their plane after it collided with a tow vehicle just moments before take-off.

Rescue crews rushed to the easyJet aircraft, which had been due to leave from Manchester Airport’s Terminal 1 to Lanzarote this morning.

Witnesses said the front wheels of the A320 plane made contact with the tug – a vehicle usually deployed to pull planes on the ground as they do not have a reverse gear.

Those on board had to disembark and get on another plane while safety checks were undertaken.

No injuries were reported and the incident is understood to have had no impact on any other flights departing.

Photos show a huge emergency services presence on the tarmac, which the airport said is standard for any incident on the runway.

An easyJet spokesperson said: ‘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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