Plane Catches Fire and Passengers Flee in Emergency Evacuation (Video)

In yet another troubling aviation scare, a Delta Air Lines jet burst into flames Monday morning while still on the ground in Orlando, Florida — sending nearly 200 passengers scrambling for their lives.

Delta Flight 1213, a massive Airbus A330 bound for Atlanta, was taxiing for takeoff at Orlando International Airport when smoke and flames began spewing from the rear engine. Terrified passengers were forced into an emergency evacuation, sliding down inflatable chutes as the blaze intensified — all captured in jaw-dropping footage now circulating online.

“It was like something out of a disaster movie,” said one witness, who filmed the scene from the terminal. “There was thick black smoke. People were screaming, running from the plane. You could feel the heat.”

Delta confirmed the aircraft was carrying 200 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and 2 pilots at the time of the fire. Miraculously, no injuries have been reported.

The fire reportedly broke out around 11:06 a.m. local time. Orlando Airport officials say the blaze was quickly contained by Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting units. Orlando Police were also on the scene.

According to a Delta spokesperson, the flight crew followed “all standard procedures” after flames were seen coming from one of the aircraft’s engines. The airline says passengers were escorted back to the terminal, where they were provided food and drinks while Delta worked to find replacement aircraft.

Behind the calm corporate response, many Americans are seeing a troubling pattern.

“This is the latest in a string of terrifying incidents in our skies,” said aviation watchdog Lisa Haines. “From emergency landings to mechanical failures, it’s starting to feel like the FAA is asleep at the wheel.”

Critics have pointed fingers at the Biden administration for what they say is a lack of urgency when it comes to aviation safety. Federal oversight of aircraft maintenance has become a growing concern, especially as major airlines face staffing shortages, aging fleets, and rising demand.

“Americans are paying sky-high ticket prices while safety seems to be going down,” said Florida Congressman Bill Watson (R), who called for immediate hearings into airline operations. “This is unacceptable.”

Delta has not released any information about prior maintenance on the jet, and it’s unclear whether the engine involved had previously shown signs of failure. The FAA and NTSB are expected to launch a full investigation.

For travelers watching this latest scare unfold, one thing is clear — faith in air travel is getting shakier by the day.