All passengers safe after PAL plane catches fire in mid-air

The airplane, which took off from LAX at 11:45 a.m. local time (3:45 a.m. on Nov. 22, Manila time) was headed to Manila when its journey was immediately cut short and made an emergency landing at LAX 12 p.m. local time. (File photo: Philippine Airlines/Facebook)

MANILA – All 342 passengers and 18 crew members aboard Philippine Airlines (PAL) Flight PR113 disembarked safely following an emergency landing at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after one of the airplane’s engines caught fire Friday (Manila time).

“All 342 passengers and 18 crew members are safe and were able to disembark from the airplane using regular air stairs,” PAL said in a statement.

The airplane, which took off from LAX at 11:45 a.m. local time (3:45 a.m. on Nov. 22, Manila time) was headed to Manila when its journey was immediately cut short and made an emergency landing at LAX 12 p.m. local time.

The airline announced that assistance for affected passengers were being extended—which include rebooking on alternative flights to Manila and provision of meals and hotel accommodations.

For the successful emergency landing and calm and orderly disembarkation of its passengers, PAL lauded the plane’s flight and cabin crew.

“We likewise recognize and appreciate the calm professionalism exhibited by our experienced flight and cabin crew, headed by Captain Triston Simeon and Purser Joanne Marie Dirige, in executing the unscheduled landing and taking care of our passengers,” PAL said.

According to the company, the flight involved a Boeing 777 aircraft with registry number RP-C7775.

PAL said they are fully cooperating with the authorities on the investigation of the incident.

“We affirm that safety is our top priority and that Philippine Airlines is fully cooperating with the concerned airport and aviation authorities,” PAL said.