Passengers sustained injuries after hundreds were forced to evacuate a flight using inflatable slides.
The sudden evacuation occurred on Friday after a Delta Air Lines jet bound for Minneapolis aborted its takeoff at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The plane experienced an engine problem, according to a Delta spokesperson. The incident happened amidst a snowstorm that was causing widespread cancellations and delays at Atlanta, the world’s busiest airport. Officials have not confirmed whether the freezing weather affecting parts of the US contributed to the issue.
The 201 passengers, along with two pilots and five flight attendants, evacuated the Boeing 757-300 using inflatable slides and were transported back to a concourse by bus. Four passengers were injured, one of whom was taken to hospital, while three were treated at the airport for minor injuries.
Delta spokesperson Morgan Durrant stated the flight crew “followed established procedures to suspend the takeoff.” He added: “Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers, and we apologise to our customers for their experience. We are working to support our customers and get them to their destinations as safely and quickly as possible.”
