Terrifying Flight: Southwest Passengers Evacuated After Mid-Air Engine Fire

Southwest Airlines Flight 78 had to be evacuated Thursday due to an engine fire that forced the plane to return to Houston Airport.

According to the Houston Fire Department, the flight had just left Hobby Airport, heading to Cabo San Luis, Mexico, when the fire forced it to return at around 11:15 am.

The fire department stated that when the plane landed, firefighters put out the fire as well as the small grass fire close to the runway.

There were no reported injuries. Southwest Airlines released a statement saying that the flight crew assisted the 134 passengers in evacuating the plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration stated in an email that passengers exited their aircraft on a taxiway.

FAA says that the cause of the fire is being investigated.

All passengers were being transported to Mexico, the final destination of all passengers.

Southwest Airlines said, “We are grateful for the professionalism shown by our crew members in handling this situation.” Southwest Airlines stated that “the safety of both our employees and customers is paramount to us”.

Air travel has been under increased scrutiny after several accidents and crashes. Officials have been trying to reassure passengers that flying is the safest mode of transport, and statistics back that up.