In a shocking turn of events, passengers aboard Delta flight 1213, set to travel from Orlando to Atlanta, were forced to evacuate after an engine fire erupted while the plane was on the tarmac. Eyewitness videos shared on social media captured the terrifying moment as large plumes of smoke and flames were seen billowing from the right engine, leading to an urgent evacuation down inflatable emergency slides.
The Airbus A330, which had more than 200 people onboard—including passengers, flight attendants, and pilots—successfully evacuated without any reported injuries, ensuring the passengers' safety amidst the chaos. "Passengers were evacuated. Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting team promptly responded," stated a post from Orlando International Airport.
Footage from the scene depicted passengers assembling on the tarmac, safely distanced from the aircraft with emergency services in full effect. Delta Airlines extended its appreciation to the evacuated customers for their cooperation and offered apologies for the unsettling experience. "Nothing is more important than safety, and Delta teams will work diligently to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible," the airline remarked in a statement to their partners.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an investigation into the incident, signaling the importance of aviation safety protocols and the thorough examination of any irregularities in aircraft functionality. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the measures taken to protect not only the passengers onboard but also those working tirelessly on the ground.
