Int’l Flight from Xi'an Has Engine Fire Shortly After Takeoff

Source: OT-Team(G)，光明网；环球网

  An international flight from Xi'an was forced to return after its engine caught fire shortly after takeoff.

  In the early hours of February 23, Scoot flight TR135, en route from Xi'an to Singapore, encountered a serious emergency shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was forced to turn back to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport after an engine caught fire. The incident has sparked widespread attention, with numerous passengers sharing their terrifying experiences on social media.

Engine Catches Fire 10 Minutes After Takeoff, Passengers Share Harrowing Accounts

  According to one passenger's social media post, the engine ignited approximately 10 minutes after takeoff. The passenger described the moment in vivid detail: "I was sitting right behind the engine, and I watched in shock as flames shot out like a rocket. My heart was in my throat—I was terrified." Another passenger shared a video showing multiple people exiting the Scoot-branded aircraft, with a caption indicating that the engine had flared up just after takeoff, sending chills down the spine of those following the incident.

Emergency Return to Xi'an, Firefighters and Emergency Crews Stand By

  Flight TR135 had initially been scheduled to depart at 1:35 AM on February 23, but took off at 1:32 AM. However, just 25 minutes into the flight, at 1:57 AM, the aircraft turned around and returned to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport.

  The airport quickly activated its emergency response plan, and fire and rescue teams were on-site. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries. Scoot customer service confirmed the flight's cancellation and reassured that all passengers had been properly accommodated. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport stated that the return was due to a mechanical failure and that no injuries had occurred. Some passengers were relocated to hotels for further arrangements.

  In a follow-up inquiry to Scoot's China hotline on the morning of February 23, a representative confirmed that the flight had indeed been cancelled. However, they could not provide specific details on the engine fire or the subsequent passenger arrangements. A customer service representative from Scoot Singapore indicated that the flight had been rescheduled to February 24, but no reasons for the cancellation or rescheduling were provided.

  The aircraft involved was an Airbus A321-271N NEOACF, which was 3.8 years old and registered as 9VNCB. As of now, Scoot has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.