On 28-12-1997 at 08:54 UTC, a PIA flight PK 787, B747 bound for London with 261 people on board commenced its takeoff from Runway 12 when it suffered a No. 2 engine compressor stall right around its decision speed ($V_1$). Following the flight engineer's advice, the Captain initiated a rejected takeoff, but despite manual braking and deploying speed brakes, the heavily laden aircraft overran the runway, striking runway lights and an ILS fence before coming to a halt near an ILS equipment shed. Due to extreme braking temperatures, the main wheel tires auto-deflated and began expelling smoke and fire, prompting ground and airport fire crews to deploy foam and water to control the hazard. Despite initial communication difficulties between the cockpit, ATC, and the Fire Chief regarding whether to wait for passenger stairs or to evacuate, the Captain ultimately ordered an immediate evacuation out of the right side of the aircraft after being briefed on the smoke and the Fire Chief’s urgent request. Meanwhile, emergency crash alarms triggered a rapid rescue response, and authorities quickly secured the flight recorders (CVR and FDR) and relevant documentation to launch an official GCAA investigation.
