United Airlines Jet Forced to Make Emergency Landing After Engine Fire
A terrifying mid-air blaze erupted on a United Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, forcing an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Smoke Clouds and Panic as Plane U-Turns
Passengers and witnesses watched in horror as thick smoke poured from the plane’s left engine. The aircraft, carrying 256 passengers and 12 crew, abruptly turned back to LAX after reporting engine trouble.
About 180 shaken passengers slid down emergency chutes and used airstairs to evacuate on the tarmac. Several suffered minor injuries, including one passenger who cut a finger. United insisted no serious injuries were reported.
LAX Grounded as Airport Scrambles
The drama threw the airport into chaos, triggering a temporary ground stop on flights arriving at LAX. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted arrivals from major hubs like Denver, Salt Lake City, and Oakland between 11:15am and 12:30pm local time.
Delays stretched up to 30 minutes as planes were held mid-air. Emergency crews swarmed the jet moments after it safely touched down at 11:20am.
FAA Opens Investigation into Engine Fire
The flight had been headed to Newark Liberty International Airport before the engine fire sparked the scare.
United Airlines spokesperson: “The flight safely returned to Los Angeles to address an issue with one of the engines.”
Thanks to quick thinking and emergency procedures, disaster was averted in this nerve-wracking incident that brought one of the busiest US airports to a standstill.
