Baggage conveyor belt ignites next to aircraft

LATAM BOEING 787-9 CC-BGF (MSN 38479)

An Airbus A320 operated by LATAM Brazil experienced a ground emergency at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport after a baggage conveyor belt ignited beside the aircraft, producing a large plume of smoke and triggering an immediate response from airport emergency crews.

Initial accounts indicate flames broke out near the plane's loading area, prompting the crew to carry out a precautionary evacuation. Ground personnel quickly worked to extinguish the blaze as passengers and crew departed the aircraft using the forward exits.

The aircraft was being prepared to fly from São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, SP (GRU/SBGR) to Porto Alegre Airport, RS (POA/SBPA) as LA3418.

The fire was put out within minutes, and the scene was secured for inspection.
While the aircraft did receive some damage, it avoided significant damage.

LATAM and airport authorities have opened an investigation to establish the cause and assess any damage to ground equipment.

The incident led to delays at the affected gate, but Guarulhos Airport soon returned to normal operations.

LATAM praised its crew and the airport fire teams for their swift, coordinated actions that ensured everyone's safety.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Latam Brasil

Code: JJ/TAM

Aircraft: Airbus A320-214

Registration: PR-MHR

Serial Number: 3313

Engines: CFMI CFM56-5B4/P

First Flew: October 2007

Age: 18.2 Years