American Airlines Plane Catches Fire at US Airport; Passengers Escape via Wing

An American Airlines plane caught fire during the landing procedure at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, USA, on Wednesday afternoon. The incident, which caused panic among passengers, forced an emergency evacuation of the aircraft. According to reports, occupants had to exit the plane via the wing to escape the flames and smoke. There were no serious injuries, but some passengers reported minor cuts and bruises during the evacuation.

Details of the Incident
The flight, which departed from Miami en route to Chicago, was in the process of landing when the crew noticed flames coming from one of the engines. Witnesses reported that the fire started just before the plane touched the ground. “I saw sparks and then flames. It was terrifying,” said one passenger.

As soon as the plane came to a stop on the runway, the cabin crew immediately initiated the emergency evacuation protocol. Passengers were instructed to leave the aircraft as quickly as possible using the emergency slides. However, due to the proximity of the fire, some occupants chose to exit via the wing, which was farther from the flames.

Reaction from Passengers and Crew
The evacuation was described as chaotic but efficient. “Everyone was panicking, but the crew did an excellent job keeping us calm and guiding us out,” reported one passenger. Others highlighted the speed with which firefighters and emergency teams arrived to control the fire.

American Airlines issued a statement confirming the incident and stating that all passengers and crew members were safe. “The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. We are working with authorities to investigate the causes of the incident and provide all necessary support to those involved,” the company said.

Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed, but experts believe the issue may be related to a mechanical failure in the engine. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has already launched an investigation to determine what led to the incident.

Meanwhile, O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest in the United States, experienced delays and flight cancellations due to the incident. The runway where the plane landed was closed to allow for the removal of the aircraft and the cleanup of the area.

Passengers Praise Crew’s Quick Action
Despite the scare, many passengers praised the crew’s performance during the emergency. “They were incredible. They stayed calm and helped us get off the plane safely,” said one occupant. Others emphasized the importance of following safety instructions during flights. “This shows how crucial it is to pay attention to safety briefings before takeoff,” said another passenger.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and proper aircraft maintenance. While the investigation continues, American Airlines has pledged to fully cooperate with authorities to prevent similar situations in the future.

Conclusion
The fire on the American Airlines plane at O’Hare Airport is yet another example of how emergencies can occur unexpectedly. Thanks to the quick action of the crew and rescue teams, all passengers and crew members escaped unharmed. Now, attention turns to the investigation, which will seek to clarify the causes of the incident and ensure preventive measures are taken.