Engine Catches Fire Before Takeoff in Peru: Passengers Evacuated as Flight Cancelled

LIMA, Peru — A major aviation scare unfolded on the tarmac of a Peruvian airport after an engine on a commercial passenger airliner caught fire moments before scheduled departure, forcing an immediate emergency evacuation and the cancellation of the flight.

The aircraft was taxiing along the runway and preparing for takeoff when ground crew and air traffic controllers spotted visible flames and thick smoke emitting from one of the engines. Pilots immediately halted takeoff procedures and declared an emergency, bringing the aircraft to a complete standstill on the taxiway.

Flight crew members activated standard emergency protocols, deploying inflatable slides to evacuate all passengers and crew from the cabin. Airport emergency services, including fire engines and crash rescue vehicles, rushed to the aircraft within minutes, dousing the affected engine with fire-retardant foam to prevent the flames from reaching the fuel tanks or fuselage.

"Passengers acted quickly and followed safety instructions from the cabin crew during the emergency slide deployment," an airport operations spokesperson confirmed. First responders evaluated several passengers on-site for minor panic and shock, but no critical injuries were reported.

Inside the terminal, airport ground personnel and airline customer service representatives worked swiftly to coordinate emergency accommodation, local transportation, and alternative flight arrangements for the stranded travelers. Passengers expressed gratitude for the crew's calm demeanor under pressure, noting that orderly handling by cabin staff helped prevent widespread panic during the abrupt evacuation process.

Following the successful evacuation, airport management officially cancelled the flight and transferred affected passengers to terminal lounge facilities for rebooking and assistance. Maintenance crews and civil aviation authorities subsequently towed the damaged aircraft to a secure hangar for detailed technical inspection.

Aviation safety investigators have launched an inquiry to determine the root cause of the engine ignition, focusing on potential mechanical failure, bird strike, or fuel line leak. Flight operations at the airport briefly experienced minor ground delays before normal runway schedules resumed.