A Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 was moments away from takeoff Friday morning when an engine failure sent plumes of smoke and flames into the air, forcing a dramatic emergency evacuation at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Passengers, some clutching personal belongings, slid down inflatable chutes onto the icy tarmac. The aircraft, bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul, carried 201 passengers, two pilots, and five flight attendants. At least four people sustained injuries, with one transported to a hospital for further treatment.
“This was the scariest moment of my life,” said Curtis James, a passenger from Savannah, Georgia. “We heard a loud bang, and then smoke. They told us to ‘get down’ and move as fast as we could.”
The incident occurred shortly after 9:00 AM during takeoff. Witnesses report hearing an explosion from the plane’s right engine, followed by flames. Pilots immediately aborted takeoff, and the crew initiated evacuation procedures.
Delta Air Lines issued a brief statement, noting, “Our crews acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. We are cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the engine malfunction.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed an investigation is underway but declined to speculate on the cause of the failure.
Video shared on social media by passengers shows a tense evacuation, with passengers sliding down emergency chutes and walking across the snowy runway. “I thought it was over,” said Ellen McBride, a 67-year-old traveler from Tampa. “The flames were huge. Thank God we’re alive.”
What do you do when your flight out of Atlanta has its engine catch fire on take off?
— Bad Bear (@BadBearGamer) January 10, 2025
EMERGENCY EVACUATION@Delta – Thankful for the incredible staff and quick exit from the plane. But this was TERRIFYING…I have no words. pic.twitter.com/rSDP7g2UCf
The airport remained partially operational during the incident, but delays were reported due to both the evacuation and icy weather conditions. “We appreciate the patience of all travelers as we address this matter,” said airport spokesperson Maria DeLeon.
This incident is the latest in a string of engine-related emergencies involving Boeing 757 aircraft, some of which are over 30 years old. Aviation experts point out that while the 757 remains a workhorse for airlines, older models require vigilant maintenance.
“This is a reminder that as planes age, we need to invest in rigorous upkeep,” said retired pilot and aviation analyst John Harrington.
Passengers and aviation experts alike are calling for more transparency from airlines and regulators. “People deserve to know the risks they face when flying,” Harrington added.
Meanwhile, airport staff ensured evacuees were transported to the terminal, where Delta arranged for alternate flights. The airline also offered compensation to affected passengers.
The FAA is expected to release preliminary findings in the coming weeks.