Screaming plane passengers scramble to escape as jet bursts into flames before takeoff
Screaming plane passengers scramble to escape as jet bursts into flames before takeoff
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Passengers onboard a flight due for take-off were left screaming in terror when the jet's engine suddenly burst into flames. The horrified group were forced to evacuate via the cabin's emergency slides and were filmed shouting as they fled the smoke-filled cabin. Flight OB 648 was bound for Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The blaze erupted moments before takeoff on Runway 32, sparking chaos in the cabin.
The Boeing 737 NG plane - owned by the airline Boliviana de Aviacion - was struck by the suspected engine fire at Jorge Wilstermann International Airport, in Cochabamba, south east of La Paz, Bolivia. It was evacuated at around 3.45pm on Monday while preparing for takeoff with 137 passengers and seven crew members onboard.
Following the usual protocols, crew members coordinated with the airport's Fire Department to evacuate the aircraft as soon as possible. No one was reported as injured during the subsequent evacuation. The passengers were taken to the international lounge for medical checks and flight rescheduling.
The Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports Company temporarily closed the runway as firefighters dealt with the engine blaze. The aircraft, built in 2002, will undergo extensive technical assessments to determine the cause of the reported engine failure.
The state-owned airline said in a statement: "There were 137 passengers and seven crew members on the aircraft. The crew, after assessing the situation and in coordination with the airport's Fire Fighting Service, decided to evacuate the aircraft as a preventive measure to ensure the safety of everyone on board.".
