Panic Erupts as Passengers Leap from Plane Wing After Fire Alert at Palma Airport
Chaos unfolded at Palma de Mallorca Airport in Spain on Saturday when a Ryanair Boeing 737 preparing to depart for Manchester was suddenly halted due to a fire alert moments before takeoff. The unexpected emergency forced a rapid evacuation, leading some passengers to climb out through the emergency exits and jump from the aircraft’s wing in a frantic effort to reach safety.
The incident triggered a swift response from emergency teams. According to the regional emergency coordination center, four ambulances—two basic life support and two advanced life support units—were immediately dispatched to the scene. Firefighters stationed at the airport, along with members of the Civil Guard, also responded to the call, working in coordination to assist passengers and assess the situation.
Panic gripped the cabin as the fire warning activated. Passengers were instructed to evacuate using the emergency slides, but some took matters into their own hands, climbing out of the aircraft and dropping from the wing to the tarmac below. Videos shared widely on social media captured the terrifying scene, showing individuals fleeing the plane in visible distress.
A spokesperson for the emergency services confirmed that 18 people were injured during the evacuation. Medical teams on-site provided initial treatment, and six individuals were transferred to local hospitals for further care. Three were admitted to Rotger Clinic, while the other three received treatment at Hospital Quironsalud Palmaplanas, both medical facilities located in Palma.
Later, the airline issued a statement clarifying the cause of the emergency. The July 4 flight was forced to abort takeoff after a false fire warning light was triggered in the cockpit. The crew followed standard safety procedures, disembarking passengers through inflatable slides and returning them to the terminal. The airline emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains their top priority.
This incident follows another high-profile emergency just a week earlier involving American Airlines, when an aircraft experienced an engine fire mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing in Las Vegas. That flight carried 153 passengers and six crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated.
The Palma runway scare highlights growing concerns over aircraft safety procedures and emergency response efficiency. It also serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly routine travel can turn into a crisis, underscoring the importance of rapid action and well-coordinated rescue efforts. As authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the false alarm, travelers are being urged to remain calm and follow crew instructions during emergencies to avoid unnecessary injuries.
