HOUSTON — An emergency evacuation unfolded at Houston’s primary airport on Sunday as passengers were directed to exit a United Airlines jetliner using slides and stairs following an engine issue that resulted in smoke and fire from the right wing during takeoff.
The incident occurred shortly after 8:30 a.m. on runway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport when United Airlines flight 1382, which was destined for New York City, experienced complications. According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight was halted just before its departure.
Fortunately, no passengers were harmed during the event, as the FAA confirmed that all individuals aboard were safely transported back to the terminal by bus. The concern arose after the Airbus A319 received an alert regarding one of its engines, prompting a rapid response.
A video recorded by a passenger captured alarming images of orange flames and smoke billowing from the wing as the aircraft moved down the runway, with an individual audible in the footage pleading, “Please, please, get us out of here.” The flight had a total of 104 passengers and a crew of five who were preparing to fly to LaGuardia Airport in New York City, as indicated by United Airlines.
United Airlines stated, “Passengers exited the aircraft on the runway using a combination of slides and stairs, and they were then bussed to the terminal.” Additionally, the airline arranged for a replacement flight to continue on to their intended destination at 2:00 p.m. Central Time.
The FAA announced that it would conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The concerns regarding aviation safety have grown, especially in light of two tragic plane crashes earlier this year. In one occurrence, an American Airlines jet with 60 passengers onboard collided midair with an Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., resulting in no survivors. Another incident involved a small jet crashing in a crowded Philadelphia neighborhood, claiming the lives of seven individuals.
