A United Airlines flight set to depart from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston was evacuated Sunday morning after an engine fire was reported during takeoff.
The aircraft, an Airbus A319, was scheduled to fly to LaGuardia Airport in New York when the incident occurred.
According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), United Airlines Flight 1382 had to abort its takeoff shortly after 8:35 a.m. local time due to what was described as an “engine issue.”
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Video footage shared with Fox 26 Houston captured flames coming from one of the aircraft’s wings as passengers were instructed to evacuate.
One video recorded during the evacuation captures a flight attendant instructing passengers to remain seated, while one individual shouted in response, “No, it’s on fire!”
Passengers were forced to exit the aircraft using emergency slides and stairs before being moved to safety, according to the Houston Fire Department.
Another video from the scene showed evacuees standing on the tarmac following the evacuation.
#BREAKING: Numerous passengers were evacuated after United Airlines plane after it caught fire during takeoff
A United Airlines flight from Houston to New York was evacuated after an engine fire forced the crew to abort takeoff, according to the FAA.… pic.twitter.com/bfoYcALkjW
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) February 2, 2025
Despite the dramatic scene, no injuries were reported.
The Houston Fire Department confirmed to Fox 26 that they did not have to extinguish the flames, suggesting that the aircraft’s built-in safety systems contained the fire before it could spread.
The flight was carrying 104 passengers and five crew members at the time of the incident.
All were safely evacuated from the plane.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the fire, though the exact cause of the malfunction has not yet been determined.
Following the incident, United Airlines released a statement providing details on the emergency and reassuring passengers about alternative travel arrangements.
“During takeoff, United flight 1382 received an indication about one engine and halted the takeoff while still on the runway.
Passengers deplaned on the runway via a combination of slides and stairs and were bused to the terminal.
There are no reported injuries at this time. We have lined up a different aircraft to take customers to their destination at 12:30 p.m. CT,” the statement read.
The replacement aircraft successfully transported passengers to New York later that day.
The FAA is continuing its investigation into the cause of the engine issue.
As standard protocol, maintenance records, pilot reports, and onboard systems data will be reviewed to determine what led to the malfunction.
The incident underscores the importance of aviation safety protocols, as quick action by the flight crew and emergency responders ensured that all passengers and crew were evacuated without harm. More details are expected to emerge as the FAA completes its review.
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