Incident at Guarulhos Airport in Sao Paulo

On the night of December 4th, an incident at Guarulhos International Airport mobilized emergency teams and drew the attention of passengers and authorities. LATAM flight LA3418, bound for Porto Alegre, had to be evacuated after a fire started in ground equipment used for loading luggage.

What happened?

The outsourced equipment caught fire while the aircraft was still at the gate. The smoke generated by the fire triggered safety protocols, leading to the immediate evacuation of the 169 passengers on board. The evacuation was carried out both through the boarding bridge and emergency slides, with support from the crew trained for risk situations.

Quick response and no injuries

LATAM issued an official statement informing that there were no injuries and that all passengers were promptly assisted. The concessionaire GRU Airport confirmed that the fire was quickly controlled by the firefighters and airport fire brigade, and that aircraft refueling was suspended for about 10 minutes as a preventive measure.

Assistance to passengers

The airline re-accommodated 159 passengers during the early hours of the following day, while the others were transported by other means. In addition, LATAM offered financial support for food and ensured that all customers were properly attended to.

Ongoing investigation

Both LATAM and GRU Airport informed that an investigation will be conducted to determine the causes of the fire in the ground equipment. The company reinforced its commitment to safety and highlighted that emergency procedures were followed according to the team's training.

Conclusion

The incident, although alarming, was contained efficiently and without serious consequences. The quick response of the crew and emergency teams was fundamental to ensuring the safety of everyone on board. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the constant preparation of airlines to deal with unexpected situations.