A Croatia Airlines passenger plane skidded off the runway on takeoff at Croatia’s Split airport on Saturday, causing panic among passengers and briefly disrupting airport operations.The incident involved an Airbus A220-300 on flight OU412 from Split to Frankfurt. The plane veered off the runway as it accelerated for takeoff and came to rest in a grassy area next to the tarmac, according to local authorities and airline officials.Video circulating on social media showed smoke billowing from the plane after it came to a stop outside the runway. However, all 130 passengers and five crew members on board were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.Croatia Airlines said in a statement, “Croatia Airlines’ Airbus A220-300 aircraft with registration number 9A-CAN was originally scheduled to fly scheduled international flight OU412 from Split to Frankfurt today, but the takeoff was aborted at Split Airport.” The airline added: “There were 130 passengers and five crew members on board, including two pilots and three crew members. All passengers and crew were safe and no injuries were reported.”The airline further stated: “According to preliminary information, the crew aborted the takeoff in accordance with the prescribed safety procedures. The passengers have disembarked and are currently in the passenger terminal of Split Airport, and we are providing them with all necessary assistance to continue their journey.”Airport authorities said the plane hit runway edge lights and vertical signs during the aborted takeoff, causing damage.Split Airport was temporarily closed while emergency teams and technicians worked to remove the aircraft and inspect the runway for damage.Croatia Airlines said the pilot refused to take off “in accordance with prescribed safety procedures” after deeming it unsafe to continue flying.The exact reason for the aborted takeoff is unknown. The Croatian Civil Aviation Authority and the Aviation, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation Agency have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
