World

Engine Fire Prompts Evacuation Of Passengers From Air China Flight, Nine Injured

[Screenshot/Public/X — @aviationbrk]

[Screenshot/Public/X — @aviationbrk]

Gretchen Clayson Reporter
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Nine passengers were injured Sunday after an engine fire prompted an Air China flight to evacuate in Singapore, according to local media.

Prior to landing at 4:15 p.m., Air China flight CA403 encountered smoke in the forward cargo hold and lavatory, state news outlet the Global Times reported. Videos and photos shared on social media show the interior of the plane filled with smoke and passengers quickly evacuating the aircraft using the emergency exit inflatable slide.


All 146 passengers and nine crew members were safely evacuated from the plane, the outlet reported, citing a statement from Air China. Reports later circulated that nine people suffered minor injuries during the evacuation, including smoke inhalation and abrasions. (RELATED: Plane Lands Safely In Denver After Engine Catches Fire, Debris Rains Down)

The fire, found to be in the left engine of the plane, was extinguished within 10 minutes of landing, though Changi Airport was closed for three hours as a result of the incident, CNN reported. A preliminary investigation into the incident determined a mechanical failure had prompted the fire, though a full investigation into the matter is ongoing, ABC News reported, citing Air China.


One passenger reported to Chinese media that the fire began during the plane’s descent into Singapore and continued for 40 minutes before the plane was able to land, according to the Global Times.