Virgin plane struck by lightning after Gatwick takeoff

Updated
Virgin plane struck by lightning after Gatwick takeoff
Virgin plane struck by lightning after Gatwick takeoff




A Virgin Atlantic plane was struck by lightning just after taking off from Gatwick Airport.

The plane was forced to turn back to Gatwick after the incident at 11.45am on Wednesday morning.

See also: Flybe plane plunges to 1,000ft after lightning strike

See also: Moment lightning strikes Heathrow-bound plane



The flight was travelling to Montego Bay, Jamaica, when lightning hit.

One holidaymaker managed to get footage of the plane dumping fuel before landing after the strike.


Nick Kenton shared the video on Twitter and wrote: "My Travels!? Ten mins into a long haul flight & struck by lightning. Currently dumping fuel to try head back to Gatwick #flying #planes #no."

According to the Evening Standard, a Virgin spokesman said: "Our flight VS65 today (22 March) from London Gatwick to Montego Bay has returned to Gatwick as a precaution due to a suspected lightning strike, and has now landed.

"We are in the process of arranging an alternative aircraft to allow our customers to continue their journey later today, and we would like to thank them for their understanding."

The Sutton Guardian reports that a spokesman for Gatwick Airport confirmed the lightning strike had taken place.



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