Flames on Wing of Flight to New York... Passenger Evacuation Chaos at Houston Airport, USA

Smoke and Flames Erupt from Right Wing During Takeoff Preparation

A fire broke out in the engine of a passenger plane preparing for takeoff at Houston Airport in the United States, causing passengers to evacuate in a hurry, AP News and CNN reported on the 2nd (local time).

According to reports, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated in a press release that at 8:30 p.m., United Airlines Flight 1382, an Airbus A319 scheduled to depart from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport to New York LaGuardia Airport, failed to take off due to an engine malfunction.

The passenger plane reportedly emitted smoke and flames from the right wing while preparing for takeoff.

The FAA said the aircraft aborted takeoff after detecting abnormal signs in one of the engines, and passengers evacuated via stairs and slides, with all passengers reported safe.

Local broadcaster KPRC-TV released footage filmed by a passenger showing the aircraft speeding down the runway with orange flames and smoke billowing from under the wing. The video also captured a passenger shouting that there was a fire despite crew members asking everyone to remain seated.

United Airlines stated in a press release that there were 104 passengers and 5 crew members on board the aircraft, and that the passengers were transported to the terminal by bus and would depart for their original destinations on another flight.

Meanwhile, recently in Washington DC, an American Airlines passenger plane carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members collided mid-air with an Army helicopter carrying 3 soldiers, resulting in all fatalities. In Philadelphia, a small jet crashed in a busy neighborhood, killing 7 people.