Delta plane catches fire at US airport, passengers evacuated

A Delta Air Lines flight scheduled to depart from Orlando International Airport (MCO), US was evacuated on Monday morning after one of the aircraft’s engines caught fire while the plane was still at the ramp area.

According to a statement from Orlando International Airport, the incident occurred at approximately 11.06 am local time. Delta Air Lines Flight 1213, an Airbus A330 aircraft, was preparing for departure when flames were observed in the tailpipe of one of its two engines. The Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team responded immediately to the scene.

Delta Air Lines confirmed that the flight was carrying 282 passengers, along with 10 flight attendants and two pilots. Flight crews reportedly followed standard safety protocols and initiated an evacuation using emergency slides after detecting the fire. All passengers were safely removed from the aircraft.

The flight was bound for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also released a statement confirming that the engine caught fire while the aircraft was pushing back from the gate. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.

No injuries have been reported as of now. The airline and federal authorities are continuing to assess the situation, and Delta is working to accommodate affected passengers.

Further details are expected as the FAA’s investigation progresses.