ISLAMABAD: A Delta Air Lines flight with nearly 300 people on board was forced to evacuate after one of its engines caught fire shortly after pushback at Orlando International Airport on Monday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The incident involved an Airbus A330 scheduled to fly to Atlanta. The engine fire occurred around 11:15 a.m. EDT, prompting the crew to initiate an emergency evacuation using slides. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
Delta confirmed that Flight 1213 was carrying 282 passengers and 12 crew members. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries. According to the airline, flames were seen in the tailpipe of one of the aircraft’s two engines, and crew members acted swiftly by following emergency protocols.
Dramatic videos posted on social media showed flames shooting from the plane and passengers exiting via inflatable slides. Orlando International Airport also confirmed the fire occurred on the ramp and that its aircraft rescue and fire fighting team responded quickly.
Airbus has not yet issued a statement. Delta said its maintenance teams will inspect the aircraft, and the airline is arranging alternate flights to ensure affected passengers reach their destinations.
This incident adds to a string of recent aviation scares in the U.S., including a fatal mid-air collision in January near Reagan Washington National Airport and an American Airlines engine fire in March that forced passengers to evacuate onto the wing in Denver.
