Two firefighters were killed at Lima airport on Friday when a passenger plane struck their fire truck on takeoff and then crashed on the runway, officials said.

LATAM airline, which operated the domestic flight, said 102 passengers were on board the plane but added that “no passengers or crew lost their lives”.

Footage of witnesses broadcast by Peruvian TV stations showed the plane – an Airbus A320, according to aircraft tracking websites – taking off at full speed and hitting the fire truck, which was also traveling at high speed.

The plane continued on its course, its right side dragging the runway, kicking up a plume of smoke and flames. The tail of the plane was badly burned.

Lima Airport Partners (LAP), which operates Jorge Chavez Airport, said it deeply regrets the deaths of two members of the LAP Aeronautical Fire Brigade in the accident between a fire engine and the plane operating Lima-Juliaca flight LA2213. “

LAP added that its “teams provide necessary care to all passengers who are doing well.”

“We are also investigating to determine the cause of the incident,” he added.

Lima firefighters said the alarm went off at 15:25 local time (2025 GMT) and four ambulances and rescue teams were deployed.

The public prosecutor’s office announced that it would initiate investigations into the “possible criminal offenses of negligent homicide and culpable bodily harm”.

Airport operations have been suspended “until further notice,” the management company said.

Last month, a LATAM plane with 48 passengers on board made an emergency landing in Asuncion, Paraguay after flying through a severe storm.