Update – 9.17pm
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REX Airlines have confirmed a false smoke detector indicator caused an emergency call out to Bathurst Airport on Wednesday evening.
A passenger flight from Parkes to Bathurst has now been grounded after crews feared a fire had started.
“There was a false smoke detector indicator in the cargo area,” a Rex Airlines spokeswoman said.
“The plane was still on the tarmac when this happened and crews followed procedures and passengers disembarked from the aircraft.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Brett Jackson said Bathurst and Kelso firefighters, along with the city’s HAZMAT unit, were called to the airport.
“The pilot has used an extinguisher after noticing smoke coming from the cargo area,” he said of the initial call out.
The Rex Airlines spokeswoman said: “The aircraft has now been inspected by fire services and they found no indication of fire or smoke in the aircraft.”
Despite this, the aircraft has now been grounded for mechanical checks.
Meanwhile, passengers who were due to fly on to Sydney remain at Bathurst Airport as they wait for a replacement aircraft to arrive.
“Another one is coming from Sydney to pick up the passengers,” the spokeswoman said.
“They will fly on to Sydney tonight.”
Earlier – 8.41pm
EMERGENCY services were called to Bathurst Airport on Wednesday evening following an incident with a Rex Airline plane.
The call out came at 7.39pm with reports of possible smoke in the plane.
“Bathurst and Kelso firefighters are at the airport with a report of a Rex plane with possible fire in the cargo area,” Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Inspector Brett Jackson said.
“The pilot has used an extinguisher after noticing smoke coming from the cargo area.”
FRNSW crews from Bathurst and Kelso brigades were called, as was the city’s HAZMAT truck.
There are no reports of injuries and crews are investigating.
More to come.