A US passenger plane caught fire on the tarmac at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last week, prompting a mass evacuation of passengers. Videos show flames erupting and black smoke billowing from the aircraft’s nose shortly after landing.
After the crew initiated an evacuation, passengers are seen opening the emergency exits of the Delta Air Lines Airbus A321 and scrambling down the plane’s wings to escape. There were no casualties.
The incident occurred on the evening of May 6 after the Delta jet plugged into the terminal's electrical network, according to airport officials. A malfunction with the connection caused sparks and ignited a fire near the nose of the aircraft, below the cockpit.
Seattle-based software engineer Ashwin Menon, who was onboard the flight, told KOMO News, "There was a little bit of jostling in the aisles. But overall it was a pretty smooth evacuation process."
Menon, who exited the plane via the emergency slides, said he witnessed a small fire burning near the cockpit and captured video footage of the damage.
"Once I got out of the flight you could see the fire burning right below the cockpit," Menon said. "I was glad everyone was able to make it out."
Around two-thirds of the 189 passengers on board used the emergency slides to evacuate, while others had already disembarked through the passenger bridge. Seattle fire crews responded to the scene, although the fire had extinguished itself by the time they arrived. Airport officials reported that a few passengers were evaluated for minor injuries sustained during the evacuation, but no one required hospitalisation.
The evacuated passengers were transported to the terminal and processed through international arrivals.
Delta Air Lines issued a statement regarding the incident, stating that the emergency slides were deployed "out of an abundance of caution" and that all passengers were safely evacuated.
The airline said that the aircraft involved has been grounded for a thorough inspection and maintenance.
