Passenger panic unfolds as flames erupt from plane’s wing; recent aviation incidents in the U.S. raise safety concerns
A United Airlines flight from Houston to New York was forced to abort takeoff and evacuate passengers after a fire broke out on one of its wings at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Sunday (local time), according to a New York Post report.
Panic Onboard as Flames Erupt from Wing
As the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff, passengers spotted flames bursting from the wing, triggering immediate panic inside the cabin. A video recorded by a passenger captured terrified screams, with one person pleading, "Please, please, please, get us out of here."
The Houston Fire Department (HFD) responded swiftly, assisting in the evacuation of 104 passengers and five crew members onboard. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“HFD’s Airport Rescue Firefighters are assisting at @IAH after a departing plane reported an issue on the runway. HFD assisted in deboarding the plane. No injuries have been reported at this time,” the department stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and further details are awaited.
A String of Aviation Disasters in the U.S.
The United Airlines fire incident comes amid a series of aviation tragedies in the United States, raising fresh concerns over air safety.
Philadelphia Plane Crash Kills 7, Injures 19
On Friday night, a Learjet 55 crashed near Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia, killing seven people and injuring 19 others.
According to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, everyone aboard the flight died, along with one civilian on the ground. The aircraft, which took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, crashed at around 6:30 PM, according to ABC News.
Deadly Mid-Air Collision: American Airlines Plane & U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter Crash into Potomac River
Just days before, on Wednesday, a mid-air collision between an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport led to a catastrophic crash into the Potomac River.
Authorities confirmed that all 67 people onboard the aircraft are feared dead, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in recent history.
Aviation Safety Concerns Intensify
With multiple aviation incidents within a week, concerns over airline safety, aircraft maintenance, and emergency response have intensified across the United States.
While investigations into the Houston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. crashes continue, these incidents highlight the growing urgency for enhanced safety measures in the aviation industry.