Plane engine catches fire on airport runway with passengers forced to evacuate on slides

WATCH NOW: Passengers evacuate Delta plane after engine catches fire

NBC
Susanna Siddell

By Susanna Siddell


Published: 21/04/2025

- 20:41

Updated: 21/04/2025

- 21:25

Black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky at Orlando International Airport

A plane engine has caught fire while on an airport runway as its passengers were forced to evacuate the flight on slides.

A Delta Air Lines aircraft - which was due to depart this afternoon - exploded into flames while it was waiting on the runway at Orlando International Airport.


Footage shared online has captured the scene unfolding as black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky.

There have been no reports of any injuries so far.

Delta Air Lines

Black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky at Orlando International Airport

NBC

Delta Air Lines

Passengers were evacuated off the aircraft on a slide

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Almost 300 passengers were aboard Delta flight 1213 which was bound for Atlanta, Georgia, when the engine burst into flames.

Taking to social media to provide an update on the matter, the airport shared: "Passengers were evacuated. Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting team promptly responded."

The Airbus A330 was said to be carrying 282 passengers, as well as 10 flight attendants and two pilots, Delta told CBS News.

Delta Air Lines reported that crews fled the cabin when fire was spotted in one of the plane's engines.

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Images and videos taken of the scene show evacuated passengers waiting on the runway.

In a statement, Delta said: "We appreciate our customers' cooperation and apologise for the experience.

"Nothing is more important than safety and Delta teams will work to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible."

After the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration has announced that it will launch an investigation into the incident.

Emergency services along Orlando International Airport runway

Emergency services sped to the scene

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As passengers returned to the airport, they were given food and drinks while they waited for a new plane to take them to their destination.

"The fire was contained and is out. Some passengers were evacuated via an emergency slide," the airport said.

Maintenance teams will assess and analyse the aircraft to identify the cause of the fire.

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