This is the dramatic moment passengers aboard an Air China flight make an emergency evacuation after the plane’s left engine caught fire.
Flight CA403 reportedly made a safe landing in Singapore on the afternoon of 10th September after smoke began filling the cabins.
Officials with Singapore Changi Airport said all 146 passengers and nine crew members were safely evacuated.
Nine people reportedly suffered injuries before making it outside to safety.
The crew of the Airbus A320-200 aircraft reportedly sent a 7700 code to traffic control, indicating that the crew had declared an emergency while in the air before landing at around 4:15 pm local time.
One piece of footage shows several passengers holding napkins over their faces, trying to avoid inhaling the smoke that began coming out of the forward cargo hold and lavatory.
A second and third piece of footage show passengers shooting down evacuation slides deployed from the left side of the plane, next to what seems to be the burning engine.
Some passengers apparently tried to bring along their carry-ons during the evacuation and were injured in the process.
The fire caused a series of delays on Runway 3 after emergency crews had to close it down until the fire was extinguished and the plane removed.
Changi Airport said the runway had reopened after about three hours after completing all safety checks.
China Air has so far not commented on the matter.
Experienced pilot Chen Jianguo said in an interview with local media that in extreme situations on an aircraft, passengers opening the overhead luggage compartments could result in luggage falling out and potentially injuring others.
Additionally, Jianguo said fallen luggage may block the aisle, hindering the movement of passengers, especially elderly individuals, children, and those with limited mobility.
That is why, Jianguo added, crews typically remind passengers not to carry any personal belongings with them during emergency evacuations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
