A fire that broke out in an escalator at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday morning led to a chaotic evacuation of Terminal 8. The incident, which occurred around 7 a.m., filled the terminal with smoke, prompting a swift response from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).
Videos shared on the Citizen App depicted the ensuing chaos as police and firefighters arrived at the scene. Travelers, many with luggage in tow, were seen crowding around the airport’s entrances as a fire alarm echoed in the background. The footage also showed a flight being held on the runway, unable to take off due to the situation.
Emergency vehicles, including several fire trucks, were seen arriving at the terminal, their lights flashing in the early morning darkness. The terminal was promptly evacuated due to the smoke condition inside, according to fire officials.
Despite the chaos, no injuries were reported in the incident. The quick response from emergency services ensured the safety of both passengers and staff, who were temporarily impacted by the escalator fire.
Operations at the airport resumed later in the day, fire officials confirmed. The cause of the fire, however, was not immediately known. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the fire and to ensure the safety of the airport’s infrastructure.
The incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness in large public spaces such as airports. It also highlights the crucial role of emergency services in responding swiftly and effectively to ensure public safety.