HORROR at São Paulo’s GRU Airport: One Hundred And Eighty Passengers Escape Near-Disaster as Fire Strikes LATAM Airbus A320 – How a Ground Equipment Blaze Nearly Caused Tragedy!

Published on December 5, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

In a terrifying scene at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), a LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 caught fire on December 5, 2025, as passengers and crew were involved in an emergency evacuation. While initially reported as a catastrophic event that occurred during takeoff preparations, later details have clarified the sequence of events, revealing that the fire was caused by ground equipment, not the aircraft itself.

The incident unfolded just as the Airbus A320, carrying 180 people, was preparing for its scheduled flight. A baggage loader positioned next to the plane caught fire, and the flames spread to the vicinity of the aircraft. The fire ignited underneath the wing of the stationary plane, filling the cabin with smoke and prompting immediate action by the crew. Passengers inside the cabin were able to see the flames beneath the aircraft’s wing, an image that escalated fears of a much worse scenario.

What Happened:

The fire did not originate from the engines or during takeoff, as was initially assumed. According to authorities, the blaze broke out in the ground equipment—specifically the baggage loader vehicle, which was parked near the aircraft’s cargo hold. This piece of machinery caught fire and, in turn, spread smoke to the cabin of the Airbus A320, triggering a swift emergency evacuation.

At the time of the incident, the aircraft was stationary at the gate, not on the runway. As a result, the flight crew immediately activated emergency protocols, and all passengers were evacuated. Using inflatable emergency slides, passengers hurriedly exited the plane and ran across the tarmac, far from the still-burning equipment. Miraculously, there were no reports of injuries among the 180 people onboard.

Where and When:

The event took place at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo, Brazil. The fire broke out just after boarding had started, and the plane was not in the process of taking off as initially reported. The exact timeline of the incident is still under investigation, but it appears to have occurred while the aircraft was parked at the gate, not on the runway.

Why It Happened:

The source of the fire was the ground equipment—specifically a baggage loader that was in close proximity to the Airbus A320. While these types of fires are rare, they are still a known hazard at airports where ground vehicles operate close to parked aircraft. The fire spread quickly from the machine, and the resulting smoke infiltrated the passenger cabin, creating immediate danger. Authorities have clarified that the aircraft itself was not the cause of the fire, and it was confined to the equipment on the ground.

How It Was Handled:

Thanks to the quick actions of the flight crew and emergency responders, the situation was brought under control without any fatalities or serious injuries. The emergency evacuation was executed smoothly, with all 180 passengers using the inflatable emergency slides to safely exit the plane. Firefighters responded swiftly, dousing the blaze and ensuring that no further damage occurred to the aircraft or the surrounding areas. In the aftermath, the flight was canceled, and the aircraft was towed away for further investigation.

Safety Measures in Aviation:

The safety protocols executed during the LATAM A320 fire incident are in line with the rigorous standards set by aviation authorities. The quick response of the flight crew and ground staff in this dangerous situation highlights the importance of preparedness in mitigating aviation accidents. Fire on the ground involving aircraft is an ongoing risk, especially in high-traffic airports like GRU, and airport safety measures are constantly evolving to handle such incidents effectively.

Ongoing Investigations:

Brazilian authorities, including the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), have launched a full investigation into the cause of the baggage loader fire and the incident’s impact on airport operations. Although the fire was contained without casualties, investigations will seek to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such incidents in the future. The results of this inquiry are expected to shed light on the safety of ground equipment and potential vulnerabilities in handling machinery at airports.

In conclusion, while the fire on the LATAM Airbus A320 in São Paulo was alarming, the swift evacuation of all passengers and the prompt response by emergency personnel averted what could have been a tragic incident. Fortunately, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and vigilance in preventing catastrophic accidents in aviation.

By breaking down the facts of this frightening incident, we now know that a combination of quick thinking and well-practiced protocols ensured that this aviation emergency did not result in tragedy. The bravery of the crew and the passengers’ quick response to evacuate safely is a testament to the training and preparedness of those involved in aviation safety.