In the wee hours of Monday morning, a Singapore Airlines flight departed Changi Airport for Milan. But around two-and-a-half hours later, the plane was forced to turn back after a fuel leak was discovered. According to SIA, there was an engine oil warning message, and the pilots of flight SQ368, a Boeing 777-300, decided to make a u-turn for an emergency landing back in Singapore.
After the plane touched down at 6.50am, its right engine caught fire, burning bright orange flames that looked rather terrifying from the photos. But thanks to airport emergency services, the fire was extinguished and all 222 passengers and 19 crew on board were evacuated with no injuries.
One of the passengers, Lee Bee Yee, said she could smell gasoline about three hours after the plane left Singapore, and the captain reported that the aircraft couldn’t turn on the right side or it would vibrate. When the flight landed safely in Changi Airport, everyone cheered and clapped.
But then a spark ignited and flames started engulfing the right side of the plane. Passengers were afraid and some stood up to run, but the overhead announcement told them to remain in their seats and stay calm. Soon enough, the fire engine arrived to spray foam and water on the plane. About five to ten minutes later, the fire fighters had put out the flames.
Passengers then got off using stairs and took the bus to the terminal building. They were given the option to defer their flight or take an alternative one at around 8am, SIA announced. The airline will be cooperating with the authorities for investigations.
