A United Airlines flight bound for Newark was forced to make an emergency return to Los Angeles International Airport this morning after reports of an engine fire shortly after departure.
According to ABC 7 News, United Flight 2127 departed LAX and then returned around 11:20 a.m. local time due to a left engine issue. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, was seen on the runway with smoke coming from the engine. Smoke reportedly continued for more than 30 minutes after landing.
A total of 256 passengers and 12 crew members evacuated the aircraft. Emergency slides were deployed and passengers exited onto the taxiway. One passenger suffered a minor finger injury. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the plane returned safely and said it will investigate the incident.
I was sitting next to the engine 😅 pic.twitter.com/xddgo84gCG
— Hash Tribe 🏕 (@thehashtribe) March 2, 2026
Video from inside and outside (embedded above) the aircraft shows passengers evacuating while fire trucks and emergency vehicles surrounded the plane. From the exterior view, travelers appear to run away quickly once they hit the ground. But the interior footage tells a different story. Some passengers can be seen moving slowly toward the exits and shockingly, carrying bags with them.
That is a major aviation safety no-no.
Former United flight attendant @DinahBarronHess wrote on X:
“Retired United FA here! Why do they not listen?! Leave your frigging bags behind! It slows down the evacuation and potentially damages the slide! People please stop doing this!”
Another user, @bbcappital, added:
“In emergencies leave all your belongings behind. Those wasted seconds grabbing your carry on can put people in danger.”
They are absolutely right.
During an evacuation, every second matters. Federal regulations require aircraft to be capable of being evacuated within 90 seconds. Roller bags and backpacks can puncture slides, block aisles and slow the flow of passengers behind you. In a real fire scenario, those delays could cost lives.
User @martinebran reminded travelers:
“Do NOT bring bags with you, they will be returned to you after aircraft is made safe.”
It is worth repeating. Airlines will retrieve your belongings once the aircraft is secure. Your laptop and carry on are not worth risking someone else’s safety.
Other passengers landing nearby described the scene as chaotic. Nanette Dib said her plane was held on board with limited information and window shades were ordered closed. Another traveler described seeing fire trucks and police vehicles everywhere without knowing what was happening.
A temporary ground stop at LAX was issued but later lifted.
One commenter joked, “Wow! First class got a stairwell and the peons had to slide down!”
The takeaway for travelers is simple: If you ever hear the command to evacuate, leave everything behind and move quickly. Follow crew instructions without hesitation. In an emergency, speed and cooperation are what keep everyone safe.
Let this incident be a reminder. Listen to the safety briefing. Count the rows to your nearest exit. And if the unthinkable happens, your only job is to get off the plane safely.
