CHICAGO — When American Airlines Flight 383 caught fire on the tarmac at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport Friday, one passenger started recording the chaotic scene inside the plane.
Hector Cardenas posted the footage on Facebook with the caption, “15 Seconds later would have been on the air and would have been a good bye… Food for thought, don’t take anything for granted and appreciate, because you just never know. 🙏🏼”
The video shows passengers desperate to get off the plane, some screaming “Oh my God,” and others swearing, yelling at those in front to get out of the way.
Warning: Video contains explicit language; some may find the content disturbing
According to an FAA tweet, the Miami-bound plane blew a tire before the fire started. One passenger reported hearing what sounded like an explosion.
American Airlines said the plane aborted takeoff due to an "engine-related mechanical issue," and the 161 passengers and 9 crew deplaned on the runway.
They were transported back to the terminal in buses.
At least six ambulances rushed to the scene Friday afternoon, but it's still not clear if anyone was hurt during the evacuation.
O'Hare officials closed the runway after the flight was aborted around 2:35 p.m. CST.
