A PASSENGER who escaped a fireball British Airways jet in Las Vegas has described his terror that the aircraft was moments from exploding, as it emerged that passengers are taking legal action in their quest for answers.
Scots holidaymakers were among the 170 passengers and crew evacuated after the left engine of the Boeing 777 suffered a "catastrophic failure" moments before take-off from McCarran International Airport on September 9, forcing the pilot to slam on the brakes.
Specialist aviation lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are now handling compensation cases brought by several passengers who have been physically injured or traumatised by the incident.
Irish passenger Steve Bingham, 35, from Hillsborough, County Down, said: “The plane accelerated for take-off, then there was a loud bang and jolt followed by an abrupt emergency stop. At that point, I thought the plane was going to tip on its side or crash.
"Many people were screaming, with some then shouting about fire. Then I saw thick black smoke from the windows on both sides of the aircraft, but the cabin crew were still telling us to stay seated at this point. Seconds later, the pilot ordered the evacuation.
“Once out of the plane, the staff were screaming at us to run away. I started to run and looked back towards the plane to see that it was on fire with flames reaching twice the height of the aircraft. All I could think was that if it reaches the fuel tanks and explodes we will be killed."
Mr Bingham suffered an injury to his arm during the evacuation of the aircraft and also inhaled smoke from the burning aircraft. He has also been prescribed medication to manage the psychological trauma of the incident, which includes flashbacks.
An interim report issued by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed "multiple breaches" in the casing of the engine, with parts of it being found on the runway. Other investigations, including the examination of flight data and cockpit voice recording equipment, are ongoing.
Irwin Mitchell’s Aviation Law team is now conducting their own investigations into the fire.
Clive Garner, head of Aviation Law at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The primary concern must be ensuring that all of those who have suffered injuries are given the specialist support and advice they need. "Some of the passengers have suffered physical injuries and from previous experience we know that such a terrifying incident can also cause psychological injuries to those involved. Many passengers also inhaled fumes produced by the fire which may have been toxic.
“The psychological impact of a life threatening event like this should not be underestimated. Counselling and other relevant support may also be required to help those affected overcome what they have been through. ”
Passengers were criticised on social media for grabbing hand luggage and personal belongings before evacuating the plane, contrary to safety guidelines.
Many defended it as an instinctive reaction amid the panic while others, who had left items such as passports behind, faced longer waits for an alternative flight home.
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