Madrid, July 5 – Panic broke out at Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport when passengers jumped off the wing of a plane following a fire alert just before takeoff. The incident occurred on Friday and has since drawn widespread attention across the country.

The aircraft, which was preparing for departure, reportedly showed signs of smoke coming from one of its engines. Alarmed by the situation, several passengers took matters into their own hands, opening an emergency exit and climbing onto the wing, from which they jumped to the tarmac.

Emergency services responded rapidly. The regional emergency coordination centre dispatched four ambulances to the scene two basic life support units and two advanced units. Airport-based firefighters and officers from the Civil Guard were also deployed immediately to secure the area and assist passengers.

According to reports from local media, a few passengers suffered minor injuries, mainly from jumping off the wing or during the hurried evacuation process. Medical teams treated them on-site. No severe injuries or fatalities were reported.

Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene inside the plane. One passenger said, “There was smoke, people were shouting, some were crying. It was pure panic. A few just ran to the emergency exit and jumped.” Others claimed the cabin crew tried to maintain order and requested passengers to stay calm, but fear overtook reason for some.

The airline involved has not released a detailed statement but confirmed the incident and noted that an internal investigation is ongoing. The airline also stated that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its highest priority.

Authorities are now working to determine the source of the smoke. Early assessments suggest it may have been caused by an engine fault or overheating, though it remains unclear if there was an actual fire or if it was a technical malfunction that triggered a false alarm.

Due to the incident, the flight was cancelled. Affected passengers were returned to the terminal, where airline staff helped them rebook their journeys. Meals and accommodations were arranged for those with longer delays. Normal airport operations resumed shortly afterward, with only a temporary disruption to departures from the terminal involved.

Spanish aviation authorities have confirmed that they are reviewing not only the technical issue but also the actions taken during the emergency. They noted the importance of following evacuation protocols and avoiding unnecessary panic, which can sometimes lead to greater danger than the incident itself.

This frightening episode serves as a reminder of the importance of both aircraft safety procedures and passenger awareness during emergencies. Although the situation was ultimately brought under control with no major injuries, it has raised fresh concerns about emergency response protocols and public preparedness.

As of now, the official cause of the fire alert remains under investigation.