Packed Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Erupting in Flames Moments After Takeoff (Video)

Passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight from Brazil to Atlanta were thrown into a terrifying ordeal after the jet’s left engine appeared to catch fire just seconds after takeoff, sending screams through the cabin before pilots turned the plane around and made an emergency landing.

Flight 104 had just departed Sao Paulo on Sunday night and was headed for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when things suddenly went wrong. According to reports, the aircraft suffered engine trouble almost immediately after wheels left the ground, creating a frightening scene for everyone onboard.

Video shared online captured the chaos from inside the plane. In the footage, bright orange flashes can be seen coming from the area of the left engine as alarmed passengers begin crying out in fear. What was supposed to be a routine international flight quickly turned into a nerve-rattling emergency.

The aircraft, a 19-year-old Airbus A330-300, was carrying 272 passengers. Thankfully, the crew acted fast. The pilots safely brought the plane back to the airport roughly 10 minutes after takeoff, preventing what could have been a far worse disaster. Once back on the ground, passengers were taken by bus to the terminal.

There were also reports that debris may have fallen from the aircraft during the incident. Separate footage cited by aviation outlets suggested that falling debris may have sparked a fire in the grass near the runway, adding another alarming layer to the emergency.

Delta said its teams were working to get travelers back on their way as quickly as possible.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority,” the airline said in a statement. “We apologize to our customers for this delay in their travels.”

For the shaken passengers onboard, though, the apology likely came after a flight they will never forget. What began as a trip to Atlanta ended in panic, flames, and a fast return to the runway.