Emergency Evacuation as Delta Flight Engine Catches Fire in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Passengers aboard Delta Air Lines Flight 1213 were evacuated on emergency slides Monday morning after one of the aircraft’s engines caught fire on the tarmac at Orlando International Airport. The flight was preparing to depart for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport around 11:15 a.m. local time when flames were reported.

The Airbus A330 was carrying 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots. Delta confirmed that crew members followed proper evacuation procedures when flames were seen in the tailpipe of one of the two engines. Videos from the scene showed smoke and flames billowing from the right engine, prompting immediate action to ensure passenger safety.

Airport authorities noted that the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting team responded promptly to the incident. As emergency vehicles surrounded the aircraft, passengers used inflatable slides to exit the plane. “We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and apologize for the experience,” Delta stated in a release. “Nothing is more important than safety, and Delta teams will work to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible.”

According to Delta, there were no reports of injuries among the passengers or crew. Following the evacuation, passengers were escorted back to the terminal as maintenance teams prepared to examine the aircraft for further investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated it will investigate the cause of the fire. No additional details regarding the incident have been disclosed. The incident is part of a concerning trend for aviation safety this year with several high-profile incidents reported. Earlier in January, a mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport resulted in the deaths of 67 people.

Delta’s recent safety record has faced scrutiny, particularly after another incident in February that injured 21 passengers when a flight experienced turbulence amid challenging weather conditions at Toronto Pearson International Airport. In January, a Delta flight had to abort its takeoff, leading to the evacuation of over 200 passengers through emergency slides.

The FAA’s investigation will further examine the circumstances around the ignition of the engine fire, marking yet another chapter in a busy year for aviation incidents. Delta has assured that they will prioritize passenger safety as they seek to return affected travelers to their destinations.