Delta flight catches fire on Orlando runway, passengers evacuate via emergency slides
When a Delta plane suddenly burst into flames on the runway, passengers scrambled to safety, thanks to the crew’s rapid response. But with a second fire in months, is Delta flying into trouble?
Delta Air Lines Flight 1213 experienced an engine fire while taxiing on the runway at Orlando International Airport, prompting an emergency evacuation. The Airbus A330, carrying 282 passengers and 12 crew members, caught fire at the rear after departing the gate at 11:15 a.m. EST en route to Atlanta. Emergency slides were deployed, and all aboard evacuated safely with no reported injuries. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, and emergency vehicles, including an ambulance, responded to the scene. Delta apologized for the incident and prioritized passenger safety, arranging another aircraft to complete the flight.
The aircraft was at a standstill after backing away from the gate when smoke and fire were seen coming from the back of the plane. The Federal Aviation Administration stated that the smoke originated from an engine fire. Fire trucks arrived promptly to extinguish the flames with a firehose, and an ambulance was also present to assist passengers deboarding the plane. All passengers were safely evacuated using emergency slides. No injuries were reported during the evacuation.
Delta prioritizes passenger safety after Orlando engine fire as FAA launches investigation into cause of incident
Delta Air Lines expressed appreciation for customers' cooperation and apologized for the experience, emphasizing that nothing is more important than safety. The airline arranged another aircraft to transport passengers to their final destination in Atlanta. Delta teams worked to get customers to their destinations as soon as possible. The airline also stated that they would work to understand the cause of the incident. Delta's response aimed to prioritize passenger safety and minimize disruption.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the engine fire. The FAA will examine the aircraft's maintenance records, engine performance data, and other relevant information to determine the root cause. The investigation aims to ensure the continued safety of air travel and prevent similar incidents in the future. The FAA's findings will be shared with Delta Air Lines and other relevant parties. The investigation is ongoing, and no preliminary findings have been released yet.
Delta under scrutiny after second fire incident; crew ensures safe Flight 1213 evacuation
This incident follows a February crash involving Delta Flight 4819 in Toronto, which also resulted in a fire but no fatalities. In that case, the aircraft landed upside down at Pearson International Airport, and all 80 passengers evacuated safely. Authorities attributed the successful evacuation to passengers wearing seatbelts. The February incident raised questions about aircraft safety and emergency procedures. Delta Air Lines has been working to address these concerns and improve safety measures.
Passengers aboard Flight 1213 experienced a sudden and alarming situation as the engine fire occurred. The quick response of the flight crew and emergency services ensured a safe evacuation. Passengers were brought back to the terminal, where they waited until Delta could bring another aircraft to take them to Atlanta. The incident has sparked discussions about airline safety and emergency preparedness. Delta Air Lines continues to prioritize passenger safety and address any concerns arising from the incident.