British Airways 777-200 Bound for Gatwick Catches Fire at LAS

At approximately 4:03 PM PST, a British Airways 777-200 (G-VIIO) aborted takeoff after a left engine fire at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, according to the FAA.

The FAA reported that the fire ignited shortly before the V1 takeoff roll. Passengers evacuated via the emergency slides, however it appeared as though one slide was not deployed. As of now, only two minor injuries were reported and passengers were bused to the terminal, with no major injuries being reported.

The aircraft, G-VIIO, is a 16 year old 777-236ER. It was delivered to British Airways on January 26th, 1999 and it has two GE90 engines. While the Boeing 777 has recently become infamous for its disappearance and disasters with both Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 and flight MH370, this assumption runs contrary to the exceptional safety standards the aircraft has maintained. In its nearly twenty years of existence, the aircraft type has only had five hull-loss accidents.

Various images from the airport depict significant damage to the left engine. The social media world was quick to light up as the incident was occurring.

UPDATE 4:22 PM — Incident @LASairport involved British Airways outbound flight 2276, bound for London Gatwick. Fire has been put out.

— McCarran Airport (@LASairport) September 8, 2015

Overhead view of BA plane that aborted takeoff at McCarran because of fire. Two minor injuries. @News3LV pic.twitter.com/FwRfLtr0O5 — Tom Hawley (@TomNews3LV) September 9, 2015

Just hitting what I have experienced today seriously scary stuff#BA2276 pic.twitter.com/tUBJ57pzpP

— Dominic Worthington (@DomworthNo1) September 9, 2015

Las Vegas Nevada LV International Airport British Airways plane on fire 2 minor injuries reported pic.twitter.com/0E5tnJt23l

— russell parrish (@rgparrish1) September 8, 2015

Thank goodness everyone made it out. Even some luggage made it out. https://t.co/qYqxf2Kj0F — airlineguys (@airlineguys) September 9, 2015

This audio is from LAS Tower and is provided by LiveATC.net. 

If more information becomes available on this incident, we will update you. Please follow us on Twitter for the most up-to-date information.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport operations and customer service while pursuing a bachelor's degree in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives.

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