Panic and Chaos: Air China Flight Engulfed in Smoke, Passengers Evacuate as Fire Breaks Out Mid-Air
An Air China flight to China faced a critical situation as smoke filled the cabin, causing panic among passengers. The crew swiftly evacuated everyone and extinguished the fire, averting a potential disaster. Investigations are ongoing.
A China-bound Air China flight faced a critical situation as smoke filled the cabin, leaving 146 passengers and nine crew members in a state of panic. The incident occurred during the plane's descent, with the fire continuing for approximately 40 minutes, according to a passenger who shared the ordeal on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo.
The aircraft, Flight CA403, issued code 7700, signaling an emergency, just before it was due to land at Singapore's Changi Airport. The forward cargo hold and lavatory were engulfed in smoke, creating a terrifying scene for the passengers onboard. The crew, however, swiftly followed emergency procedures, ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers.
Videos posted on social media platforms show the cabin shrouded in smoke while an air stewardess can be heard providing instructions on the next steps. The fire in the left engine was extinguished upon landing, averting a potentially catastrophic situation.
Passengers were seen sliding down emergency slides and making a hasty escape from the aircraft. While most of the passengers remained calm and composed in the face of the emergency, one man drew criticism from netizens for evacuating with his luggage.
On the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, users condemned his actions, labeling him as a risk to the lives of others. "People like him should be permanently grounded," one netizen exclaimed. Despite the chaos, the stewardesses displayed professionalism in calming the passengers and ensuring their safety.
Air China and Changi Airport Group have extended their support to the affected passengers and crew, offering assistance in dealing with the aftermath of the incident. Nevertheless, the incident has led to the temporary closure of Runway 3 at Changi Airport, potentially affecting future flight operations.
As investigations into the cause of the smoke-filled cabin continue, authorities will be looking to identify any lapses or faults that may have contributed to the dangerous situation. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols on flights and the potential risks involved in air travel.
