A Delta Air Lines flight in Florida was evacuated on Monday after an engine fire broke out just prior to takeoff. The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. as Flight 1213 was preparing to depart from Orlando International Airport. The airline confirmed that the engine ignited on the tarmac.
The aircraft, an Airbus A330, was bound for Atlanta. It was carrying 282 passengers, along with 10 flight attendants and two pilots. Images and video footage from the scene depicted flames billowing from the tail of the plane.
The passengers were swiftly evacuated using the aircraft’s emergency slides. Delta Air Lines stated that the flight crews followed standard procedures to evacuate the passenger cabin when they noticed flames in the tailpipe of one of the aircraft’s two engines.
Orlando International Airport reported that the fire was successfully contained and extinguished. The airline expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the passengers and apologized for the incident. They emphasized that safety is their utmost priority.
Delta Air Lines also confirmed that passengers would be transported to their final destination on a different aircraft. The airline pledged to work diligently to ensure that their customers reach their final destinations as soon as possible.
The incident underscores the importance of safety procedures and the quick response of flight crews in emergency situations. It also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can occur in air travel, even before a plane leaves the ground.