Firefighter dies during Emirates emergency incident

A firefighter from the airport civil defence died during the firefighting operations after an Emirates aircraft caught fire while landing at Dubai International airport.

"This Boeing 777 flight was carrying 282 passengers with 18 crew members on board. We are grateful to God for his mercy and confirm that there were no fatalities among the passengers and crew on board," the GCAA said in a statement.

Also read: Emirates flight makes emergency landing in Dubai

"We are however, very sad to announce that one of the firefighters lost his life while saving the lives of the others.

"On behalf of the General Civil Aviation Authority, I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of deceased. I salute his ultimate sacrifice that kept many from harm's way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family", said the director general of GCAA.

Also read: Emirates cancels flights after EK521 incident

"He played an instrumental role in helping evacuate passengers safely. he is a martyr. We are trying our best to help his family," the statement added.

The firefighter was Jasim Issa Mohammed Hassan from Ras Al Khaimah.

Operations at Dubai International airport have resumed, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement on Twitter.

Operations at the airport had been affected after the incident involving Emirates flight flying in from Thiruvananthapuram.

Emirates flight EK521 had to undergo an emergency landing at the airport after one of its engines reportedly caught fire.

All passengers and crew members were evacuated safely and there are no casualties.