Plane Fire at Denver Airport Forces Passengers to Evacuate Onto Wing
On Sunday afternoon, a terrifying scene unfolded at Denver International Airport as a plane caught fire on the tarmac, forcing passengers to evacuate onto the wing of the aircraft. The incident occurred as United Airlines flight 328 was preparing for takeoff to Honolulu, Hawaii.
According to reports, the Boeing 777-200 experienced an engine failure shortly after departing from the airport. The engine, a Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series, began to emit flames and smoke, causing panic among passengers and crew members. The pilot quickly made the decision to return to the airport for an emergency landing.
As the plane touched down on the runway, emergency services were already on standby. Passengers and crew members quickly evacuated the aircraft onto the wing as emergency responders worked to extinguish the flames. Fortunately, all 231 passengers and 10 crew members were able to evacuate safely, with no reported injuries.
Video footage of the incident shows the engine engulfed in flames as the plane descended for landing. Passengers can be seen exiting the aircraft onto the wing, some sliding down emergency slides to safety. The scene was chaotic, with passengers expressing fear and confusion as they evacuated the plane.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the engine failure. United Airlines has grounded all of its Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with the same engine model as a precautionary measure.
The incident at Denver International Airport serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and emergency preparedness in the aviation industry. Despite the terrifying ordeal, all passengers and crew members were able to evacuate safely thanks to the quick response of the pilot and emergency responders.
As investigations into the cause of the engine failure continue, United Airlines has pledged to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. In the meantime, passengers on the flight to Honolulu were provided with alternative travel arrangements to reach their destination.
The plane fire at Denver International Airport has left many shaken but grateful for the swift and effective response that prevented a potentially catastrophic disaster. As the aviation industry works to ensure the safety and security of passengers, incidents like this serve as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in air travel.