Four people have been injured after a plane was blown off the runway at Stornway Airport on Friday morning.

The Loganair BE6821 service was due to fly from the Isle of Lewis to Glasgow, when it was caught in strong crosswinds and blown off the runway at 08:33.

Police Scotland said that two men were taken to hospital after the incident and two women received minor injuries but declined medical assistance.

A full investigation has been launched into the incident.

In a statement, Loganair said:

“On departure from Stornoway Airport the 8.30am flight BE6821 for Glasgow left the runway during take off. The Saab 340 aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and three crew members.

“All passengers and crew were safely evacuated and returned to the airport’s terminal. Two passengers sustained minor injuries and have gone to the local hospital. A full investigation is now underway to ascertain the cause of the incident and the Air Accident Investigation Branch has been notified.”

Highlands and Islands Airports said:

“A Saab 340 aircraft operated by Loganair veered off the runway at Stornoway Airport at 8.33am this morning. Efforts to remove the aircraft from the runway are ongoing and investigations into the cause of the incident are underway.

It is it our intention to resume normal operations as soon as the aircraft is safely removed from the runway. Passengers intending to fly today should check the status of their flight with their airline.”