Doors opened. Slides deployed. Passengers scrambled, stumbling and sliding down ramps, running barefoot across the tarmac. Some cried. Some prayed. Some didn’t look back.
Miraculously, all 180 passengers made it off safely. Officials confirmed the fire occurred on the runway of one of Brazil’s busiest airports. Early reports suggest a fire broke out under the wing during takeoff prep, sending smoke into the cabin almost immediately. Experts say the crew’s quick response prevented what could have been a catastrophic disaster.
No injuries have been reported, but investigators warn the incident was “one spark away” from tragedy. Questions remain about how a fully loaded passenger plane could catch fire before even leaving the ground.
This story is still developing—and the aviation world is watching closely.
What would you do if faced with a plane fire during takeoff? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!