A United Airlines flight from Houston to New York caught fire during take-off at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Sunday, as reported by the New York Post. The plane had to be evacuated after flames erupted from one of its wings while it was taxing for take-off.
🚨 BREAKING: United Airlines flight evacuated this morning after the plane caught fire during takeoff – FOX26
The incident took place at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.pic.twitter.com/LEj0DWDrBb
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 2, 2025
The Houston Fire Department (HFD) confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. “HFD’s Airport Rescue Firefighters are assisting at @iah after a departing plane reported an issue on the runway. HFD assisted in deboarding the plane. No injuries have been reported at this time,” the department posted on X.
HFD’s Airport Rescue Firefighters are assisting at @iah after a departing plane reported an issue on the runway. HFD assisted in deboarding the plane. No injuries have been reported at this time.
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) February 2, 2025
The incident caused panic among passengers, with a video captured by one of them showing their screams as they saw the flames. There were 104 passengers and five crew members on board, according to the New York Post. Further details are awaited.
Earlier on Friday night, a plane crashed near a mall in Philadelphia, killing seven people and injuring 19 others. Everyone aboard the Learjet 55 died in the crash, along with one person on the ground, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed during a press conference on Saturday, as reported by ABC News. The crash occurred near Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia around 6:30 pm after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
On Wednesday, an American Airlines plane collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport, just outside Washington. The crash sent both aircraft into the Potomac River, and US authorities confirmed that all 67 people aboard are feared to be dead.