A Boeing 737 MAX 8 operated by Gol Linhas Aéreas collided with a Chevrolet pickup truck on the runway at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (GIG) during takeoff. The collision occurred on February 12, 2025, as the aircraft was accelerating for departure.
The flight, designated G31674, was bound for Fortaleza, Ceará, when the incident took place. The aircraft, registered as PS-GPP, struck the vehicle in the middle of the runway, prompting the pilots to abort the takeoff immediately. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 came to a full stop on the runway, and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene.
Passengers on board reported hearing a loud bang, which some initially mistook for a tire burst, followed by strong vibrations. The aircraft sustained damage to its underside, particularly the center fuselage, as a result of the collision.
Airport firefighters applied fire retardant to prevent any potential fire, and the aircraft was evacuated. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers, crew, or the vehicle's occupants. The cause of the vehicle's presence on the runway during takeoff remains under investigation by airport authorities.
This incident has raised concerns about runway safety and the protocols in place to prevent such occurrences.
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