Delta Flight Evacuated After Engine Fire in Orlando

On Monday, an Airbus A330 operated by Delta Air Lines experienced an engine fire while preparing for departure from Orlando International Airport. The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. as Delta Flight 1213 was pushing back from the gate, en route to Atlanta. The aircraft was carrying 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots.

Upon observing flames in the tailpipe of one of the aircraft’s engines, Delta flight crews swiftly followed emergency procedures to evacuate the passenger cabin. Passengers were safely evacuated using emergency slides, with the airport’s rescue and firefighting team promptly responding to the fire. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew.

The cause of the engine fire remains unclear, and Delta has stated that maintenance teams will conduct a thorough examination of the aircraft to determine the origin of the fire. In the aftermath of the incident, passengers were returned to the terminal building, and Delta has arranged for an additional aircraft to facilitate the resumption of the flight. The airline has expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of its customers and has reiterated its commitment to safety, aiming to transport passengers to their final destinations as soon as possible.

Videos and photos shared by passengers and onlookers depicted the plane’s wing engulfed in flames and passengers disembarking from the emergency slides. The incident marks the latest in a series of safety concerns involving Delta aircraft this year. In February, a Delta Air Lines flight crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, resulting in the aircraft flipping upside-down and catching fire. Despite the severity of the crash, all 76 passengers and four crew members survived, with 21 individuals, including a child, requiring hospitalization.

Delta has offered compensation of US$30,000 to each passenger on the February flight, totaling approximately $2.3 million if all passengers accept the offer. The airline has emphasized that the payment is made without any conditions and does not affect the passengers' rights. The recent engine fire incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and the swift response of emergency services in mitigating potential disasters. Delta’s prompt evacuation procedures and the coordinated efforts of the airport’s rescue team played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all individuals on board.