United Airlines plane catches fire on runway, passengers evacuated.
United Airlines plane catches fire on runway, passengers evacuated.

Summary

NEW DELHI: A United Airlines flight from Houston to New York was forced to evacuate after flames erupted from one of its wings while the…

NEW DELHI: A United Airlines flight from Houston to New York was forced to evacuate after flames erupted from one of its wings while the plane was taxiing for takeoff at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

 

The fire ignited as the aircraft was preparing for departure, causing a wave of panic among the 104 passengers and five crew members onboard.

 

The Houston Fire Department (HFD) responded promptly to the emergency, with airport rescue firefighters assisting in the evacuation process. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely evacuated from the plane.

 

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In a statement posted on social media, the HFD confirmed, “HFD’s Airport Rescue Firefighters are assisting at @iah after a departing plane reported an issue on the runway. HFD assisted in deboarding the plane. No injuries have been reported at this time.”

 

A video taken by a passenger captured the distressing moment, as terrified screams filled the cabin when flames were spotted near the wing. A voice can be heard pleading, “Please, please, please, get us out of here,” further illustrating the intense fear passengers experienced during the incident.

 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fire. The plane was preparing for a routine flight to New York when the emergency unfolded.

 

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This incident adds to the string of unsettling aviation events in recent days. Just days earlier, a deadly plane crash occurred near a Philadelphia mall, killing seven and injuring 19.

 

Additionally, on Wednesday, an American Airlines plane collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport, leading to a tragic crash in the Potomac River, leaving 67 people feared dead.

 

As investigations into these incidents continue, authorities are focusing on ensuring aviation safety and addressing the concerns raised by these terrifying occurrences.