A United Airlines flight from Dulles International Airport was forced to evacuate passengers late Wednesday night after experiencing a mechanical issue during landing at Charleston International Airport. Passengers exited the plane using inflatable slides after the aircraft reportedly faced engine problems.
The Incident
Spencer Pryor, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Communications Officer for the Charleston International Airport, confirmed the incident to News 2, stating that the mechanical issue occurred just before midnight as the flight was landing. While specific details about the issue were not provided, one passenger on board shared their experience on Reddit, explaining that the pilot had informed them that one of the plane’s engines was idle. Despite the issue, the passenger noted that the landing was smooth, but there was noticeable panic as passengers evacuated via the inflatable slides.
Evacuation and Response
Once the plane landed safely, the passengers were deplaned and transported to the terminal, where they were provided assistance. It remains unclear how many passengers were aboard the flight, but the airport’s quick response helped ensure their safety. The incident caused some concern, but no injuries have been reported.
United Airlines Responds
News 2 has reached out to United Airlines for additional details about the mechanical issue and the flight’s evacuation procedures. The airline has not yet provided a statement or further explanation.
While the mechanical issue aboard the United Airlines flight caused a brief moment of panic, the situation was handled effectively, and all passengers were safely evacuated. The airline and airport authorities are likely to investigate the cause of the engine trouble, but for now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the passengers involved.
