Turkish flight safe after lightning strike

ISTANBUL, Turkey, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The pilot of a Turkish Airlines jet was able to land the plane after an engine was struck by lightning and caught fire, authorities say.

The flight had left Istanbul for Izmir about 11 p.m. Thursday when it hit, Dogan News Agency reported Friday.

While the passengers began panicking, the pilot was able to land without incident at the airport in Izmir.

Firefighters were able to put the fire out immediately.

A passenger said nothing abnormal occurred during the flight and the interior lights remained on.