Thomson flight from Manchester to Morocco grounded in London after being struck by lightning
The plane, which carries up to 189 passengers, was forced to touch down at London Gatwick an hour after take-off
A PLANE travelling from Manchester to Morocco was grounded in London after it was struck by lightning.
The Thomson Airways flight was heading to Morocco from the northern City when it was hit by a bolt over the UK.
Just an hour after taking off at 6.42pm last night the plane was forced to touch-down at London Gatwick unexpectedly.
The Boeing 737-800, which carries up to 189 passengers, eventually touched down at Gatwick airport.
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Thomson Airways said the flight took off from Gatwick again some time after 10pm after a two-hour delay.
A spokesperson for the airline said lightning strikes are extremely rare.
They said: "Thomson Airways would like to apologise for any inconvenience to our customers on board flight TOM732 travelling from Manchester airport to Agadir in Morocco, which was diverted to London Gatwick airport as a precautionary measure due to adverse weather.
"The flight departed from London Gatwick airport as quickly as possible afterwards and customers have arrived safely in Morocco.
"The safety of our customers and crew is of paramount importance to us and we would like to reassure everyone that events such as these are extremely rare."
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