Overview
- LATAM and airport officials attributed the incident to a small fire on ground-handling equipment next to the aircraft, not to a malfunction of the plane.
- Passengers exited using a boarding bridge, inflatable slides and stairs with assistance from trained crew and airport staff.
- Authorities reported no injuries as videos showed smoke by the wing and inside the cabin while responders removed the burned conveyor belt.
- Coverage varies on whether the aircraft was still boarding or had begun taxiing when smoke and flames were observed.
- LATAM said customers from São Paulo to Porto Alegre were rebooked after the evacuation, and authorities indicated the event is under investigation.