Catch Attack! Houston to New York United Airlines Flight Evacuated Due to Fire on the Runway

A United Airlines flight from Houston to New York had to be evacuated Sunday morning after the airplane caught on fire during takeoff.

Terrified passengers could be heard panicking in footage obtained by Fox 26 . Flames burst out of one of the airplane’s wings as the aircraft began to roll forward for take off.

United Airlines Flight 1382, an Airbus A320, aborted its takeoff from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, due to a “reported engine issue” just after 8:30 a.m., the FAA said in a statement.

Passengers fled to the runway and were taken by the terminal by bus, the FAA added.

There were 104 passengers and five crew members on board at the time of the incident.

The flight has since been rescheduled to take off at 12:30 p.m. local time.

Houston firefighters helped passengers evacuate, the agency wrote on X. No injuries were reported.

In a particularly heart-stopping moment, a K-9 unit involved in the response efforts was injured while assisting with the evacuation. The dog, known for being a part of the airport’s emergency response team, was reportedly hurt in the commotion but was quickly attended to by medical personnel.

“While it’s always hard when any team member gets hurt, we are grateful that the K-9 will recover,” said a source within the emergency response team. The K-9’s bravery in assisting with the evacuation earned praise from the passengers and staff involved in the rescue.

The emergency evacuation, though successful, left many passengers in shock. Many had been preparing for a routine flight and were unaware of the danger until the fire became visible.

“At first, I thought it was just a little smoke, but then I saw the flames,” said one passenger. “It was surreal to see that happen so close to us, but the crew was fantastic. They didn’t waste any time getting us out.”

While the passengers were understandably shaken, most of them remained calm as they exited the plane. Several were seen chatting with airport officials after the evacuation, expressing relief at having safely escaped the incident.

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The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities focusing on the possibility of an engine malfunction or technical issue. United Airlines has promised to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide any necessary support to the passengers affected by the incident.

“We’re committed to understanding exactly what happened to ensure the safety of our passengers and crew,” said a United Airlines spokesperson. “We will continue to assist the authorities in any way we can as they determine the cause of the fire.”

Due to the emergency, the flight was delayed for several hours, and other flights at George Bush Intercontinental Airport faced some disruptions. United Airlines is working to accommodate affected passengers and has pledged to offer them alternative flights or accommodations as needed.

The swift and organized evacuation of passengers highlights the critical importance of emergency training for airline crew members. In situations like this, where split-second decisions are crucial, the actions of the flight attendants and ground staff played a pivotal role in ensuring passenger safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stringent requirements for emergency procedures, and this incident serves as a reminder of how those protocols are essential in maintaining passenger safety, particularly in high-pressure situations like runway fires.

As investigations continue, airlines and airports are emphasizing the importance of safety preparedness. Though the incident was traumatic, it also underscored the resilience of the passengers and the effectiveness of safety measures in place.

For travelers, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of following emergency instructions during a flight and in the event of an evacuation. Listening carefully during safety briefings, familiarizing yourself with the location of exits, and remaining calm can all play a role in ensuring your safety should an emergency arise.

In the wake of this dramatic runway fire, both the airport and United Airlines have reiterated their commitment to ensuring such incidents remain rare, and they are prioritizing safety protocols to protect passengers going forward.

The evacuation of the Houston to New York United Airlines flight was a tense and scary event, but thanks to the swift actions of the flight crew, emergency responders, and the calm behavior of passengers, everyone was safely evacuated. Though the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the incident serves as a reminder of how quickly things can escalate and the importance of being prepared for any emergency situation. Fortunately, with all passengers and crew accounted for, the focus now shifts to the investigation and ensuring that lessons are learned from this high-stakes event.

Firefighters did not put out a fire, fire officials and an IAH spokesperson told The Post.

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