Tragedy in Mumbai: Emirates Flight Hits and Kills 39 Flamingos
In a devastating incident, at least 39 flamingos were killed after an aircraft hit them in the bustling city of Mumbai, India. The Emirates flight, carrying over 300 passengers, managed to make a safe landing on Monday night following the tragic collision.
Authorities are still investigating whether the birds veered off their usual flight path and into the airplane’s trajectory. Environmentalists have expressed outrage over the incident, pointing fingers at rampant construction activities in the area.
Each year, thousands of flamingos migrate to Mumbai around November, seeking refuge in the city’s wetlands for a temporary stay. Their arrival is eagerly awaited by locals, who flock to witness and capture photographs of the beautiful pink visitors.
An Emirates spokesperson confirmed the bird strike, stating that the flight from Dubai to Mumbai was “involved in a bird strike upon landing.” Despite the safe landing and no injuries to passengers or crew, a significant number of flamingos lost their lives in the tragic accident.
The news of the flamingo deaths surfaced late on Monday night when children in Ghatkopar, a Mumbai suburb, discovered carcasses strewn along the road. Wildlife officials were alerted, and a grim scene unfolded as volunteers and officials worked to collect the bloodied remains.
Environmentalists suspect that the birds may have altered their flight path due to obstacles like power cables, leading them into the airplane’s trajectory. Concerns have been raised about construction projects near Mumbai’s coastal areas, including an upcoming airport in Navi Mumbai, which could pose further threats to the flamingo population.
The tragic incident has reignited the debate on preserving wildlife habitats amidst rapid urban development, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to protect vulnerable species like flamingos. The conservation efforts and awareness campaigns are crucial to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future. – BBC
