Brasilia, Brazil – The moments leading up to a domestic flight in Brazil turned into a scene of sheer terror. A fire broke out in one of the engines of a plane preparing for takeoff, forcing the evacuation of 180 passengers in a race against time. This was accomplished amidst screams, chaos, and the complete control of the emergency services.
Civil aviation officials said the plane was about to taxi off the runway when the crew noticed thick smoke followed by a visible fire on one of the wings. The emergency evacuation plan was immediately activated. Video of the incident circulated on social media, showing passengers escaping the plane via rubber vents amidst scenes of panic.
Airport firefighters brought the blaze under control within minutes. The airline confirmed that no serious injuries were reported. All passengers received necessary medical attention. An urgent investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident, especially since the flight was operating normally just before the smoke appeared.
The incident has reignited questions about air safety procedures on domestic flights within Brazil, especially given the rise in aircraft malfunctions in recent months. The crash has prompted many to call for stricter oversight of low-cost carrier fleets.
