A fire breaks out at São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport on a luggage conveyor belt, causing panic among passengers. The equipment was used to load cargo into LATAM Airlines’ Airbus A320, flight LA3418, which was scheduled to depart for Porto Alegre.
The smoke triggered immediate safety protocols, leading to a full evacuation of passengers. Footage from the scene showed travelers rushing to exits, with some screaming as they saw smoke and flames. Airline staff quickly guided passengers to safety using escape slides and the boarding bridge. Firefighters later removed the affected equipment and secured the area.
A LATAM spokesperson confirmed that the fire involved third-party ground equipment. They emphasized that the evacuation followed established safety procedures and that all passengers were safely evacuated. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
This incident highlights airport safety, coming just a month after a UPS cargo plane crash in the United States. The MD-11 aircraft caught fire while attempting to take off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, causing a massive fireball and multiple casualties. The plane, carrying around 280,000 gallons of fuel, erupted into flames en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Footage from the crash site showed the left wing on fire moments before impact, sending thick black smoke into the sky.
Authorities are reminding airports and airlines to maintain strict safety protocols to prevent such accidents. The Guarulhos incident shows how rapid response and training can save lives during emergencies.
The fire breaks out at Guarulhos Airport serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in aviation. Passengers and staff responded efficiently, ensuring no casualties. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
With air travel resuming normal operations after the evacuation, LATAM Airlines continues to review its procedures to ensure passenger safety. The airport authorities praised the swift response of firefighters and airline personnel in containing the situation.
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