A possible accident of significant proportions was prevented on Monday by the swift thinking of the air traffic controller at Karachi airport, Aaj News has learnt.

Here are details of the news in brief:

• Flight PK504 flew from Gwadar to Karachi
• Shortly after takeoff, Gwadar’s air traffic controller contacted thecaptain
• He alerted him to say that pieces of rubber have been seen falling on the runway
• The ATC captain was instructed to check the tires
• Captain contacted Air Traffic Controller at Karachi Airport beforelanding
• He requested immediate landing permission and advanced arrangements
• The plane was safely landed under the guidance of the Air TrafficController
• There were 60 passengers on board
• An inspection after landing revealed that one of the plane’s righttires had exploded, sources said
• An investigation into the incident has been launched, sources said
• An aircraft tire can explode when hit by an object on the runway
• A full investigation is underway, a PIA spokesman said