The horror Manchester air disaster which killed 55 holidaymakers and changed air travel forever
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA devastating fire that took hold of a plane full of holidaymakers as it was about to take off would change the way we travel forever.
On this day in August 22, 1985, 55 passengers on a jet taking off at Manchester Airport lost their lives. They were onboard the Corfu-bound British Airtours 737 when it caught fire on the runway.
Most of the victims died from inhaling toxic smoke. And for those that survived, life would never be the same again. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. The catastrophe happened when the British Airtours Boeing 737, with 131 passengers and six crew members on board, was heading down the runway ready to take off.
It was travelling at 140mph when the port engine exploded and debris punctured the wing and a fuel tank. The plane's captain was able to abort take off and, following procedure, turned the plane off the runway towards the fire station.
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