Houston, Texas – Passengers on a United Airlines flight experienced a scare at George Bush Intercontinental Airport when the aircraft they were on rolled onto the grass while exiting onto the taxiway. The incident occurred at approximately 8 a.m. local time on Friday morning.
Thankfully, all passengers were safely evacuated from the plane, and there were no reported injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the passengers were deplaned on the taxiway and transported to the terminal via buses.
The situation unfolded as United Airlines Flight 2477, coming from Memphis, landed at the airport. In a later update, United mentioned that the passengers were being assisted with their onward connections and other needs, while efforts were underway to quickly return their luggage to them.
A pastor onboard the flight described a moment of shock when the plane suddenly tilted over after a loud noise. He expressed gratitude that everyone was unharmed and acknowledged what he believed was a divine safeguard during the incident.
The Houston Fire Department was swift to respond to the situation, escalating their alert level as the event progressed, while the Houston Airport System assured that other flights at the airport continued to operate without disruptions.
Both United Airlines and relevant aviation authorities committed to investigating the incident to determine its cause and ensure passenger safety in the future. The FAA released an official statement outlining the basic details of the event and encouraging further inquiries to be directed to the airline.
As the investigation unfolds, passengers and airline officials will work closely with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Boeing to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the unplanned detour the plane took.
For more real-time updates on this developing story, stay connected on social media platforms with Courtney Carpenter, who will provide the latest information as it becomes available.