Passengers aboard a Boliviana de Aviacian (BoA) Boeing 737 were forced to evacuate on the runway via slides at Jorge Wilstermann International Airport following an engine failure during takeoff.
Reports from witnesses suggest that the Boeing 737-700 suffered a fire in one of its engines, prompting an emergency response. While the airline has not confirmed the fire, it acknowledged the engine failure and subsequent evacuation.
According to an airline spokesperson, there were 137 passengers and 7 crew members onboard the aircraft. “The crew, after assessing the situation and in coordination with the airport’s Fire Fighting Service, decided to evacuate the aircraft as a preventive measure to ensure the safety of everyone on board,” stated the statement.
Video footage and images from the scene show passengers evacuating the aircraft via emergency slides, with airport emergency services on standby nearby.
The Bolivian flag carrier expressed gratitude to the passengers and crew for their calm response during the incident and reassured the public that a thorough investigation was underway.
Jorge Wilstermann International Airport temporarily suspended operations following the incident but resumed shortly after emergency services cleared the runway.
The airline is working with aviation authorities to determine the cause of the engine failure and ensure the continued safety of its operations.
