A horrific tragedy at Manchester Airport killed 55 people in one of the UK's worst ever aviation disasters.

It was 40 years ago today (August 22) that the raging inferno tore through the British Airtours Boeing 737 flight on the runway, fatally injuring holidaymakers hoping to jet off to Corfu.

On this day in 1985, shortly after 6am, the port engine exploded and debris punctured the wing and fuel tank as the aircraft was taking off. 53 were passengers and two were crew.

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The plane, carrying a total of 131 passengers and six crew members, was travelling at 140mph when disaster struck.

The crew heard a thud and initially believed a bird strike or tyre burst was responsible. But as they

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