Dramatic evacuation as aircraft catches fire at Brazil’s airport, 180 passengers flee flames and smoke | Watch the shocking video

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by News 18, click this post to read the original full article.

Screengrab from the viral video. (X/@visegrad24)

A LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 carrying 180 passengers caught fire while taxiing at Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport on Friday. The incident occurred as smoke filled the cabin and flames were visible under the wing, prompting an immediate evacuation. Passengers used inflatable slides and stairs to exit the aircraft safely onto the tarmac.

Fortunately, all passengers were reported uninjured, although many appeared shaken after the evacuation. Initial concerns suggested a serious on-board incident, but LATAM Airlines clarified that the fire originated from ground equipment rather than the aircraft itself. Specifically, a baggage loader operated by a third-party cargo company caught fire while handling luggage for flight LA3418, which was set to depart for Porto Alegre.

A spokesperson for LATAM stated that the smoke generated from the ground equipment triggered safety protocols, leading to the orderly evacuation of passengers. Local fire and rescue teams subsequently removed the affected equipment from the scene, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.