The aircraft bound for Fort Lauderdale had probably flown into a number of birds, according to a statement from the airline. One of the engines caught fire.
Images that passengers shared on social media show that there was a lot of panic. People were screaming, the emergency lights were on and smoke was building up in the cabin. Passengers coughed and parents tried to teach their children how to wear oxygen masks in the tumult.
A passenger told NBC 6 News in Florida that he saw that the engine was on fire and immediately texted his wife to say he loves her and their children. “To be honest, I thought it was my time to go. I was terrified,” he said.
According to the man, not all the oxygen masks came down and people started violently knocking them out of the ceiling. “I saw people with bloody knuckles.”
The pilot of the aircraft kept a cool head, turned around and landed the aircraft safely. Images show that passengers were evacuated via emergency slides.
No passengers were seriously injured in the incident, according to Southwest Airlines.
