At least 39 flamingos were killed when an Emirates plane struck them in Mumbai.
The Emirates flight, carrying over 300 passengers, landed safely on Monday night despite the collision, the Independent reported.
Authorities are not sure why flamingoes changed their route and came face to face with the plane but the incident has angered environmentalists.
Emirates Confirmed The Incident
An Emirates spokesperson confirmed the flight from Dubai to Mumbai experienced a bird strike during landing.
“Many flamingos were lost. Emirates is cooperating with authorities on the matter,” the spokesperson said.
The flamingo deaths were discovered late Monday night by children in Ghatkopar, a Mumbai suburb, who saw dead flamingoes on the road.
Environmentalists Blame Excessive Construction
Environmentalists blame excessive construction for the tragedy.
Every November, thousands of flamingos migrate to Mumbai, attracting locals who come to admire and photograph the pink birds.
“It is likely the flamingos were trying to avoid these high power lines and got hit by the airplane,” Stalin D, an environmentalist, told the Indian Express.
