ISLAMABAD (PEN) : A Delta Air Lines flight carrying nearly 300 passengers was forced to evacuate at Orlando International Airport after an engine fire erupted shortly after the plane pushed back from the gate on Monday morning.
Engine Fire Forces Emergency Evacuation
Delta Flight 1213, an Airbus A330, was scheduled to depart for Atlanta when the fire broke out around 11:15 a.m. EDT. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident and announced that it would be investigating the cause of the fire.
According to Delta Air Lines, the aircraft had 282 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Fortunately, there were no initial reports of injuries. The flight crew followed emergency procedures, evacuating all passengers using the plane’s emergency slides. Dramatic footage shared on social media showed flames coming from one of the aircraft’s engines, with passengers exiting the plane via the slides.
Airport and Emergency Response
Orlando International Airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting team was quick to respond to the fire, which occurred on the ramp area, and safely ensured that passengers were evacuated without incident.
The FAA’s investigation is underway, and Delta has indicated that maintenance teams will inspect the aircraft. The airline also announced plans to bring in additional aircraft to accommodate affected passengers and help them continue their journeys.
A Recent Surge in Aviation Incidents
This engine fire comes amid growing concerns over aviation safety in the U.S. The incident follows a series of high-profile events, including a deadly mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter near Washington D.C. in January, which claimed 67 lives. The airline industry has faced increased scrutiny over the past few months as incidents like these raise questions about aviation safety protocols.
In a similar incident in March, an American Airlines jet suffered an engine fire while taxiing to the gate in Denver, resulting in an evacuation onto the airplane’s wing.
Delta’s Next Steps
Delta Air Lines has reassured passengers that additional planes would be provided to assist those affected by the flight disruption. The airline has emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and confirmed that they would continue to cooperate with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
As the FAA works to determine the cause of the engine fire, both Delta and Orlando International Airport have praised the quick response from emergency teams and are continuing to monitor the situation.
