Hero firefighter dies saving 300 people in Emirates plane crash

NEW DELHI: All 300 people aboard an Emirates airliner survived a crash landing in Dubai on Wednesday, scrambling down emergency slides before flames consumed the plane in an accident that halted flights for hours at the world's third-busiest airport. But one firefighter was killed battling the blaze while saving the lives of others. The brave firefighter, Jassim Eissa al-Baloushi, sustained fatal injuries after helping put out the flames while saving the lives of passengers. Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed said that Emiratis should be proud of 27-year-old al-Baloushi's sacrifice while "performing his duty in protecting life and saving people." A day after the incident, officials from the The General Civil Aviation Authority said (GCAA) paid tribute to the firefighter. "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, the statement said. "I salute his ultimate sacrifice that kept many from harm’s way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family", it said. Thousands attended the funeral of al-Baloushi in UAE's city of Ras Al Khaimah amid emotional scenes. "My eldest son died a hero while saving the lives of the plane passengers. He is a martyr, and he will be missed greatly," UAE's leading daily The National quoted his father as saying. The Boeing 777-300 was carrying 282 passengers and 18 crew members from 20 different countries, according to the airline. Those onboard included 226 Indians, 24 Britons, 11 Emiratis, and six each from the United States and Saudi Arabia. The accident Wednesday happened as Flight EK521, a Boeing 777, was arriving from the southern Indian city of Thiruvananthapuram. There were 300 people on board the aircraft at the time, all of whom escaped the burning plane. (With inputs from Associated Press)