Passengers on a Spirit Airlines flight from Tampa to Atlanta got quite a scare on Sunday, when one of the plane’s brakes overheated and caught fire as it landed in Atlanta.
The fire was put out by firefighters at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the passengers were forced to remain on the plane. Many were excited and running for the exits.
Passengers were told by flight staff that they did not need to evacuate, and were asked to remain in their seats.
After the fire was extinguished, the plane was towed to the gate and the passengers were allowed to leave.
No one was injured, but the usual impatience waiting to get off an aircraft was clearly intensified.
Videos posted on social media showed the frightening incident.
“The aircraft was towed to the gate where guests safely deplaned without any injuries. Thank you to the Atlanta first responders for immediately meeting the aircraft. The plane will be temporarily removed from service for maintenance,” a statement from the airline read.
“Nobody knew what it was until we stopped completely in the middle of the landing strip,” one passenger told reporters. “We saw a flame coming from the engine and people and myself started freaking out.”