ATHENS/MUNICH/FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - Passengers were forced to evacuate a Lufthansa aircraft via emergency slides at Athens Airport following reports of a strong odor on board. Three passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, according to a Lufthansa spokesperson. They have since received medical attention. The Munich-bound flight returned to Athens shortly after takeoff on Monday afternoon following a cockpit warning, the airline added. There were 177 passengers and 7 crew members on board. The incident was first reported by 'rtl.de'.
The crew of the Airbus A321 declared an 'air emergency' in accordance with standard operating procedures to secure priority landing clearance. The aircraft landed normally and taxied to its parking position under its own power, Lufthansa stated.
Due to the intense odor developing in the rear of the cabin, the crew elected to deploy the emergency slides. Passengers are being assisted on-site by ground staff and rebooked on alternative flights to their destinations. The aircraft is currently undergoing a technical inspection. The airline expressed regret over the incident and apologized to its passengers. 'The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority at all times,' the company stated./csc/DP/zb
