A major disaster was narrowly averted in Brazil after a LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 aircraft caught fire on the runway while preparing for takeoff. The timely evacuation of all passengers by the crew prevented a tragedy.
The incident occurred as the aircraft, carrying approximately 180 passengers, was undergoing final preparations for its flight. Passengers inside the cabin first noticed smoke filling the interior, quickly followed by the sight of flames visible outside their windows.
Cabin Smoke and Quick Crew Action
Alarm and panic spread rapidly inside the cabin as the smoke intensified. Passengers immediately alerted the flight crew after spotting the fire near the exterior of the aircraft.
The LATAM crew responded with remarkable speed and efficiency. Following emergency protocols, the crew successfully initiated a rapid evacuation of all 180 passengers.
- No Casualties: All passengers and crew members were safely escorted away from the burning aircraft. Authorities confirmed that there were no casualties or major injuries reported in the incident.
- Disaster Averted: The prompt and effective action taken by the airline staff in evacuating the plane within minutes ensured that a potentially massive disaster was avoided.
Fire services were immediately dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze. The aircraft sustained significant damage, and an investigation into the cause of the fire has been initiated by aviation authorities.
